New, 11:10 a.m.

As we noted in Monday mornings item about the proposed demolition of the 88-year-old Thomas Building on Wood Street downtown, at this late date theres not much anyone can do to stop the wrecking ball. Despite its stature as the citys last remaining link to its high-cotton past, the Anton Korn-designed eight-story structure has no historic-designation protection. And that means the city has no choice but to grant the Charlotte-based owners the demolition permit they asked for on Friday.

Theresa ODonnell, the citys director of Sustainable Development and Construction, confirms via email: We will issue [the permit] after the normal process is followed. She expects the permit to be issued some time today or, at the latest, Wednesday. Were not yet sure when demolition will take place, but youll note in the docs below that when Dallas Demolition filed the demolition application on Friday, it also filed and received a street closure permit for the following Saturday morning.

Sources say Mike Knapek, the local attorney representing North Carolina-based HPI, called the Dallas City Attorneys Office Monday and reminded the city there was no legal roadblock to demolition. Chris Bowers, the first assistant city attorney, confirms he spoke with Knapek, but wont say about what: Were not going to discuss our conversations with Mr. Knapek. If he wants to talk about it, thats his business. Several messages were left for Knapek yesterday and this morning; yesterday we were told he was in meetings, and today hes out of the office altogether.

Bowers also says hes not going to talk about our legal analysis of the situation. He did suggest we speak with the buildings owner. And, again, several messages have been left for Michael Verruto, vice president of HPI, whose name is on the demolition permit. He too has not returned calls.

Preservation Dallas would also like to speak with Verruto. Last night we received a missive from David Preziosi, its newly installed executive director, in which he reminds that several times in recent years and as recently as this summer HPI said it wouldnt raze the Thomas Building. Clearly, he writes, HPI wasnt being honest with preservationists:

In 2004, the owners intent to demolish the building to expand the adjacent parking lot led to it being placed on Preservation Dallas Endangered List and an agreement with HPI Group of North Carolina to hold off on demolition for five years. This summer when hazardous materials abatement work began, Preservation Dallas again contacted the owner of the building and was informed that the abatement work was a requirement of the Vacant Building Ordinance. Suspecting that the demolition of the building would likely be the next step, we were nonetheless assured by the property owners representative that the building would not be demolished.

So, yes, calls are out; messages have been left. But in recent weeks, construction crews have been at the building, blasting the sides (with such force there are now massive holes in the walls) and removing asbestos in preparation for the demolition. Updates as warranted; till then, look out below

See the article here:

Dallas to grant demolition permit for 88-year-old Thomas Building downtown