Charleston, South Carolina – A part of King Street remained closed on Monday while Charleston city officials prepared to demolish a structure.
On Friday, the city’s police and fire teams responded to 1001 King Street, where the left side of a structure had partially fallen.
Building officials were also summoned to the site, where they decided that it would necessitate total demolition. Nolan Stevenson, the assistant manager at Artist & Craftsman Supply, was working at the time and heard a loud crash.
“It happened really suddenly. I mean, you’d know the building was vacant, but you’d have no idea it had structural difficulties,” Stevenson added.
Officials reported that the structure was built in 1941 and was most recently used as a Masonic Temple.
Since then, it has been abandoned, and the owner is unlikely to be discovered in time for demolition. According to Ken Granata, the City of Charleston’s chief building official, the roof trusses failed due to significant termite damage. This caused the second floor’s left wall to be pushed out.
“We contacted a contractor over the weekend, and they came out this morning and are examining it just behind me. Granata described the circumstance as peculiar due to its proximity to the next building next door, 995 King Street. “They are now working on a plan. We’re hoping that they’ll be able to deploy, arrive on site, and begin taking action within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The city has closed Grove Street, Francis Street, and Cleveland Street on King Street. Residents next door were evacuated on Friday, and the American Red Cross helped with lodging for those who opted to stay.
Nearby businesses Rodney Scott’s BBQ and Artist & Craftsman Supply are still open. Rodney Scott’s BBQ’s drive-through and outdoor space will be closed until the demolition is completed.
“Our cross streets have been much busy. As a result, we’ve had to increase our store hours. “There are a lot of people asking what’s going on,” Stevenson explained.
The city’s demolition contractors and experts are working on a safe destruction plan as soon as possible because the building offers an immediate risk. Granata stated that they are working to minimize the effects on the surrounding areas while keeping public safety in mind.
“We’re actively seeking to put up barricades that are large enough that if the structure falls outward on King Street, it will catch debris that may come across the street. Granata stated, “Once we get up that barrier, which is similar to a jersey barrier, and fencing up along King Street.” “We hope to get it partially opened up for traffic in the coming days.”
Officials have not said when the demolition will take place, as the city’s engineers will decide when it is safe to reopen. The public is advised to avoid the area.
