The remaining fire-charred buildings that housed Smitty's clothing shop will remain standing for now.
Ed Cunningham, manager of the City's Department of Community Development Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Division, says that the buildings in Over-the-Rhine will be cleaned up and surrounded by an eight-foot fence.
The City has declared the buildings a public hazard, meaning they will have to be brought up to minimum code or they could still face demolition. They were scheduled for emergency demolition this morning.
The cause of Wednesday morning's fire is still under investigation. Owner Larry Ashford has said that he's like to relocate his business somewhere in the neighborhood.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Remaining Smitty's buildings saved
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8 comments:
I love TC's shirt
Wow, that shirt...
has anyone informed the owner of what is going on?
HERO because they "saved" the building? I think not! I think it is bending to politcal pressure with NO regard for the people involved!
I love this city just as much but find someone elses tree to hug!!!
Yes! VERY cool shirt!
Um, yeah, the owner knows what's going on. I was down there this morning when Cunningham did a walk-through. The owner, Mr. Ashford, is very aware of what's going on and was even interviewed in a couple of Enquirer stories today.
P.S> Also love the shirt.
I am glad that Smitty's was not a complete loss and that they will continue to stay in OTR.
I love the shirt. wow 84 years strong. Build again and continue to 100 and more. I want that shirt...
It goes unsaid, that this is very unfortunate, and hopefully this is not found to be intentional.
I'm glad to hear Mr. Ashford is determined to maintain business in the neighborhood, because it is certainly an asset to the community. Any neighborhood institution that lasts 84 years, especially commercial, proves to be a necessity for the people.
I am impressed that the city and building department made the rational decision to not hastily rip down every damaged structure without exhausting all options. Charleston, SC has had a similar policy, going on 35 years now, to block the right of way until the structure can be properly supported.
This is key, block the ROW to make sure there are no injury worries, then support the structure. It should be obvious that vacant empty lots (as 50% of OTR is now) that were once a building do not contribute to health, safety, welfare, OR taxes!
Does anyone know what that star symbolizes at the top of the building? It was a huge five-pointed star in the center of the frieze. I used to think it was a brewer's star, but that's a six-point star.
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