Lincoln Park Council confirms demolition order for vacant Vibra Hospital building

Lincoln Park’s City Council on June 8 confirmed a Dangerous Buildings & Code Appeals Board order to demolish the vacant structure at 26400 Outer Drive, identified at the hearing as Vibra Hospital, after city inspectors and police documented deterioration and repeated criminal activity at the site.

Charles Earl, the city’s building official, told council the building is open to the public, more than half the windows are broken and the structure has become “an attractive nuisance.” Earl said inspections and departmental reviews, including police and fire histories, show the property has deteriorated and that owners and secured parties have not responded to notices.

Neighbors and residents who spoke during the public hearing described frequent police runs, reports of trespassing and a shooting tied to activity at the parcel. One resident said the condition has persisted “at least five years” and asked the council to act to prevent further public-safety incidents.

Council members adopted a resolution approving the board’s order (DBB No. 26-004), directing the director of public works to carry out demolition after required notices and authorizing the city to assess demolition costs against the property and place a lien. The resolution states the board previously gave owners 90 days to repair or abate the condition and that the city may seek circuit-court confirmation if the owners do not act.

The resolution passed by roll call vote; council also discussed next steps for pursuing responsible parties and noted demolition costs will be assessed to the property as allowed under the codified ordinances.

The council closed the hearing and returned to other business; the director of public works will determine the demolition date and notify parties as required.