Board fines owner $27,200 for noncompliance at 502 North Willis

The Abilene Board of Building Standards on July 2 assessed civil penalties of $100 per day for 272 days against the owner of a condemned, fire-damaged building at 502 North Willis, totaling $27,200.

Staff said the building, owned by Advanced Capital Commercial LLC, suffered extensive fire damage in May 2018 estimated at $30,000 by the fire department and remained under condemnation. Ricky Wright said the top of the building was repaired earlier to address falling debris but that the owner had repeatedly failed to supply a complete plan of action, cost estimates and permit applications requested by the city. Wright recommended the board assess civil penalties for continuing noncompliance with the board's October 2, 2024 order.

Jack Oduro, a representative from Mariah Brokerage Services speaking for the owner, told the board the property has been secured recently, the owner has spent about $15,000 on architectural drawings and is pursuing potential investors, but needs more time and financing for a full renovation. Oduro said the property is about 38,906 square feet and that full renovation would likely cost $5 million to $6 million.

The motion to assess civil penalties was made by Mister Turner and seconded by Mister McBrayer. The board recorded roll-call votes in favor of the motion.

Wright told the board that the owner had been told repeatedly what documents were required and that the city had not received all necessary estimates and permit applications as of the hearing. The board denied the owner's request to rehabilitate and occupy only part of the building while the remainder stayed condemned; staff said the entire building must come out of condemnation before occupancy is allowed.