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Demolition board asks owner of 573 Broadway for licensed structural engineer report after 2024 lightning damage
Summary
Lorain's Demolition Board of Appeals voted to request a licensed Ohio structural engineer's report from the owner of 573 Broadway and to pursue an on-site assessment via administrative search warrant if needed to determine whether the historic building must be repaired or demolished.
The Lorain Demolition Board of Appeals voted Thursday to request a structural engineer's report from the owner of 573 Broadway after the building was struck by lightning in 2024 and has shown continuing exterior and interior deterioration.
The board said it wants a licensed Ohio structural engineer to evaluate the south-facing wall and chimney damaged by the lightning strike and submit the report to the City of Lorain Building Department for review by the next meeting. The motion carried on a voice vote.
Board members and staff described ongoing problems at the property: crumbling brickwork, doors that will not close, repeated vagrant entry and interior dilapidation. Director Kuzner told the board that the building department had previously requested an engineer's report following the 2024 strike but had not received one. "As long as everything's aligned, yes," Director Kuzner said when asked whether the department could obtain an administrative search warrant to assess the property.
A board member, arguing the property was slowing downtown progress, said: "This is one of many properties that's holding Downtown Lorain back, and we need to get some results." The building department emphasized the board's immediate goal was to secure a formal engineer's assessment, not to seek demolition at this meeting.
Staff described next steps if the owner does not provide the report: seek an administrative search warrant to conduct a full assessment with partner agencies (health, fire, police), determine repair costs compared with property value and, if warranted by ordinance, bring a full demolition recommendation back to the board.
The board directed staff to send a written letter on board letterhead requesting the licensed structural engineer's report and asked David (Building Official Dave Faziano) to draft and circulate the notice. The motion specified the report should address the 2024 lightning strike and the building's overall structural condition; the board asked for the report by the next meeting.
The board also discussed that state demolition application and notification requirements are part of the public record and reminded applicants of submission deadlines under city ordinance. The meeting adjourned after the board completed the item.
