RDC approves structural review after engineers warn Dana post‑office‑adjacent building is unsafe

The Vermillion County Redevelopment Commission approved funding for an in‑depth structural assessment of the building adjacent to the Dana post office, citing engineer warnings that the structure is unsafe and at risk of localized collapse.

Staff reported the commission received multiple structural assessments indicating the building has “localized collapse” risk and is “virtually unstable.” The assessments prompted the recommendation that the post office and town leadership be notified immediately because the occupied post‑office space may be unsafe for staff and patrons.

Commission staff said the building has multiple historic problems: fire damage on the second floor, long‑standing unpaid taxes that led to county ownership of part of the building, and recent repairs by the post office tenant on their side that did not address the underlying structural issues. Environmental testing completed in 2023 found lead‑based paint and ceiling/plaster materials that tested positive for asbestos; staff said some materials are non‑friable (roofing, floor tiles) and can be handled under standard disposal practices, while plaster and other materials may require specific abatement procedures.

Scott (project staff) relayed StructurePoint’s initial conclusion: “The main concern is that… it is not safe for us to get access to the entire property to take samples that we needed to. So this is considered a building that needs to be addressed immediately,” and he said the full structural report has been provided to staff.

Action: Commissioner Kelly Somerville moved — and Commissioner Doug Meadows seconded — approval of a contract with American StructurePoint for an in‑depth structural evaluation of 175½ (listed in paperwork as 191) Maple (the post‑office building) for an amount not to exceed $10,000. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Staff said outcomes from the StructurePoint report may include options for partial stabilization, demolition, or legal steps (condemnation) involving the county health department if the building remains occupied while unsafe. Staff will share the StructurePoint report with the postmaster, the building owner and the town; the commission confirmed it would not delay passing on the safety assessment to federal postal officials and local authorities.

Staff also noted that any asbestos identified must be managed under applicable abatement rules and that clearance sampling will be required after demolition if the building is removed. The commission authorized staff to distribute the full structural report to the postmaster and other relevant parties immediately.