Summary
The Lorraine Demolition Board of Appeals unanimously agreed Aug. 21 to hold a demolition determination for 418 Bridal and asked the property owner to supply a structural-engineer report, cost estimates for a “white box” repair and multiple demolition bids before the board considers formal demolition.
The Lorraine Demolition Board of Appeals on Aug. 21 unanimously voted to continue consideration of the property at 418 Bridal and asked the owner to provide a structural-engineering report and repair and demolition cost estimates.
Board and city officials described the building as heavily water-damaged with a partially collapsed rear roof, saturated ceiling tiles, rusted ductwork and visible mold. Dave Fasiano, Lorraine chief building official, said inspectors found extensive rot and that the condition made interior access unsafe. “The ceiling tiles have a lot of water damage and mold,” Fasiano said while describing the site photos submitted to the board.
Why it matters: the block along Broadway is within the city’s historic downtown entertainment district, and officials said potential collapse could affect adjoining properties. The Design Review Board reviewed the building two days earlier and asked the owner to commission a structural analysis and to present both a white‑box repair cost and multiple demolition quotes. The owner has submitted one demolition estimate near $400,000; city staff said that bid may not have reflected an interior inspection.
Board discussion and direction: Councilwoman Springowski, who attended the earlier Design Review Board meeting, recommended the board hold the matter until the owner resolves a land‑contract ownership issue and can produce the requested engineering report. “We owe it to the owners of the buildings on either side to ascertain how dependent on that structure their buildings might be,” Springowski said. Fasiano and fire‑department representatives said they would inspect adjacent properties for shared walls, foundations and penetrations that could transmit mold or structural damage.
Outcome and next steps: The board moved, seconded and voted to hold the case until the next meeting to give the owner time to obtain a structural-engineer report and to submit repair and demolition cost estimates. The board recorded no formal demolition order at this meeting.
Procedural note: the Design Review Board is scheduled to revisit the property Sept. 9; city staff asked the demolition board to receive the engineering analysis and quotes in advance so both bodies have the same information.
Ending: The board said it will revisit 418 Bridal after the owner provides the structural report and multiple cost estimates; staff also said they will perform exterior inspections of neighboring properties as soon as practicable.
