The top level of a building on Galesburg’s Main Street will be torn down starting tonight, Feb. 20.
At 10:07 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, Galesburg Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 149-151 E. Main Street.
As previously reported, fire personnel encountered smoke and fire from the third story, on the north and east sides of the structure. Galesburg Fire Department was able to successfully gain control of the fire, and damages to the structure are estimated at $160,000, according to a city release Tuesday.
Upon an assessment of the building following the fire, the city closed the nearby sidewalks and roadways as the structural integrity of the top floor was compromised by the fire. At that time, the property owner and property management company made the decision to apply for an emergency demolition permit through the State of Illinois, to demolish the top level of the building for safety purposes.
It is anticipated the contractor will begin the demolition work tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 20. For the safety of pedestrians and motorists, the city will continue to keep the nearby sidewalk and roadways closed while the work is underway, the city said.
Removal of the top level of the building is anticipated to resolve the structural integrity issues in order for the building to be further assessed. The Galesburg Fire Department and city Community Development Department will continue to collaborate with the private property owner of the downtown building to address the fire damage and provide assistance with evaluation of the building and next steps.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sMHRqqyanJOewaqx0meaqKVfo7K4v46lppyZnGK7psPSaJuepZ%2BhtrW1zqdkqJ5dqbyxecuerZ6kXaSzbrPApZysmqWntG6u1KKjnaGenHqistOeqWaemaeycA%3D%3D