Bliss Building Demolition Update

Central is back open in both directions downtown after the City’s contractor made significant progress demolishing the Bliss Building by working through the July Fourth holiday weekend. The project is still on track per the initial timelines. If everything goes well, those timelines may shorten. Fifth Street will remain closed for the remainder of the demolition process.

“It’s tough seeing this corner now without the historic Bliss Building but we, and I’m sure all of downtown, are relieved to see the project going so smoothly and quickly,” said Mayor Tim Keller. 

The Planning Department, through Code Enforcement, had been monitoring the property for several weeks because of structural safety concerns. Below is a timeline of the response:

• March 20, Code Enforcement conducted an external inspection of Lindy’s Diner, after a local news outlet contacted the Planning Department regarding a tip.
• April 2, following the initial inspection and additional complaints received through the City’s 311 system, Code Enforcement conducted a follow-up inspection and issued a Notice of Violation.
• Between April 3 and April 20, Code Enforcement continued to receive complaints regarding the property through the City’s 311 system.
• April 20, based on the findings of previous inspections and continued complaints, Code Enforcement conducted an inspection.
• Following the April 20 evaluation, the property was red-tagged and issued an emergency shutdown order due to concerns about potential structural collapse.
• April 27, just after noon, a portion of the building collapsed. City personnel responded immediately to secure the area. A permit for debris removal was issued, and debris was tested for asbestos as part of standard safety protocols.
• April 29, the City completed its initial review of the building and contracted a structural engineer to verify its findings. Test results showed no asbestos in the debris pile; however, asbestos was identified within the structure, specifically in sections of piping and flooring adhesive. Appropriate safety measures are being taken to manage the hazardous materials.
• April 30, an independent structural engineer completed a secondary review of the property to further evaluate its condition. They concluded that it was unstable and needed to be demolished.
• The property owners then requested a two-week extension on May 15 saying they would perform the demolition themselves. The property owners were also granted expanded access to enter the property at their own risk to conduct necessary assessments and remove personal items.
• May 29, Guzman Construction Solutions was issued a demolition permit for the Bliss Building.
• June 17, the City learned that the property owners’ agreement with Guzman Construction was dissolved, and the owners were not willing to follow through with their contract.
• June 18, Code Enforcement sent the property owners a letter requesting immediate action to get the demolition back on schedule, but they did not respond.
• June 30, the City’s contractor, Grancor Environmental, began the demolition process.

The City takes the condition of all buildings and structures seriously and is focused on public safety. Nearby businesses remain open and accessible, and people are encouraged to continue supporting downtown restaurants, shops, arts venues, and events.