Demolition of fire-destroyed historic building waiting on asbestos survey

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.

Its been almost a week since a massive fire destroyed a century-old building in downtown. Most of the structure has already caved in, but demolishing the rest of it is on hold for now.

The city is waiting to review a possible asbestos survey. A letter was sent to the owners of the building, saying the building is unsafe for a proper asbestos survey to be conducted. If a survey is conducted, the city said itll need to review it to see if the materials were adequately surveyed. It took minutes for the building in downtown to be taken over by flames late Friday night. Now, the charred remains and scattered debris are still onWest Forsyth Street. Its a sight that frustrates downtown regular Melissa Garrett. I want to see the area improve and we have buildings burning down like this. It's indicative that we have too many empty and abandoned buildings, Garrett said.

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The building has since been condemned, but its now been almost a week since the fire and a demolition has yet to happen. The city sent a letter to the owners of the building, the Jacksonville Historic Properties. It details the citys concerns about an asbestos survey being conducted at the site. The citys environmental quality division says, considering the age of the structure, it is likely that asbestos is present. Due to the condition of the building, all areas of the building will not be accessible to obtain samples to determine if asbestos is present. But if a survey is conducted, the city will review. If it determines that not all materials were adequately represented in the sampling, the city will require wet demolition of whats left of this building. Having to demolish the building that way obviously changes the price tag for the work. If the wet demolition happens, the debris will have to thrown away at a landfill that accepts asbestos containing material which is required by law. So far, the city said its doesnt know when the survey will be completed.

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Demolition of fire-destroyed historic building waiting on asbestos survey