Old Red Balloon building demolition underway

The demolition of Linda Faulkners downtown Duncan building began earlier this month after five years of wrangling that still has be settled in court.

image credit: file

The controversial demolition of the old Red Balloon building in downtown Duncan is underway.

But the repercussions of that move could echo on in a courtroom for quite some time.

Brian McDaniel, lawyer for building owner Susan Faulkner confirmed Tuesday that his client plans to proceed with court action intended to recoup her losses losses that are expected to grow with the demolition.

The ultimate loss is going to include the cost of the building, McDaniel said. The game has changed, but the game is still on.

City of Duncan CAO Peter de Verteuil confirmed the city quietly prepared the building for the demolition process in November and December and began dismantling it from the inside about a week ago in what is expected to be a careful, drawn-out process.

The buildings high-profile downtown location and the presence of asbestos and lead complicates things. De Verteuil said the amount of hazardous material was extensive, leading to the hiring of Tectonica Management to assist.

The asbestos removal is ongoing and deconstruction will begin immediately upon its completion.

Costs of demolition project at $294,666, pending lead removal are being paid by the city, which will then bill Faulkner.

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Old Red Balloon building demolition underway