Board orders demolition of fire‑damaged building at 302 S. Connor after city finds incendiary origin

The Joplin City Building Board of Appeals voted Jan. 24 to declare 302 South Connor a dangerous building and ordered demolition of the main structure, after testimony showed the fire had multiple points of origin and left the building structurally unsafe.

Deputy Fire Marshal Adam Grimes told the board that his investigation, supported by photographs and a formal fire report, identified two likely points of origin—one on an interior stairwell and another on an exterior ("Charlie" side) stairwell—and that the fire caused collapse of the top floor and multiple holes in the roof. "At the final conclusion, we determine multiple points of origin," Grimes said, adding that "the fire was determined to be incendiary," meaning investigators concluded human action, not accidental or natural causes.

Grimes described thick char depth at origin points, burn patterns consistent with an ignitable liquid at the base of a stairwell, and thousands of gallons of water pumped into the structure during firefighting efforts that further compromised the building's stability. The deputy marshal also said the multiunit building lacked a functional sprinkler system that would have been required and that, in his view, a functioning sprinkler system likely would have limited the fire.

Levi Babb, addressed by staff as the property representative, told the board he had previously regarded the building as a total loss but that an insurer had just reported the first floor might be salvageable; Babb said he would "much rather see the structure just bulldozed, cleaned up, and reconstruct new from there," but acknowledged the insurance update had altered options.

After extended discussion about the parcel and whether detached outbuildings should be included, Board Member Wicklund moved, and Board Member Duncan seconded, an order declaring the property a dangerous building under Chapter 26 of the Joplin City Code and ordering demolition of the main structure and any attached apartment/extension. The motion specifically excluded the concrete block structure at the alley and the detached one‑car garage; the motion carried by voice vote.

The board's action establishes a formal finding of fact; staff will mail the owner the formal finding and the owner has 30 days from the hearing to file an appeal in circuit court. The board also noted owners may be able to present documentation such as the formal finding to insurers.

The hearing record included photographs, a fire investigation report, a title search showing Blue Shutter Investments LLC as owner, and certified mail and publication notices demonstrating notice to interested parties.

The order resolves item 2986 on the board's agenda. The city directed staff to prepare the written order and inform affected parties of next steps.

The board then moved to other items on the agenda.