The city of Duluth has given the owner of a Lincoln Park building until the end of this week to begin demolition of a structure at 2101 W. Third St.
The vacant building was formerly home to Sellers Auction, and its roof collapsed sometime late Sunday night or early Monday morning.
"We've condemned the building for demolition," said Wendy Rannenberg, construction services manager for the city of Duluth, explaining that the owner, listed as Natalie Menten of Lakewood, Colo., has been given notice.
"She can appeal that, but we've also told her that she needs to deal with the unbraced brick walls that are on the west and south, adjacent to the house next door and West Third Street, because those are endangering the public," Rannenberg said.
The tenants of a triplex to the west of Menten's property remain displaced, due to the risk of the building's further collapse. Rannenberg said that although there appear to be two buildings on Menten's property, it is actually considered a single structure with a brick facade on the taller part of it, and stucco with siding on the lower side.
ADVERTISEMENT
She said the property owner has been asked to begin work this week, and if Menten does not, the city could intervene.
"If the city ends up doing it, it would be assessed against the property," Rannenberg said.
"We have to get permission from her to do it or we have to go through a process to get permission to go onto her property," she explained.
"Ideally, she takes care of it, because it's costly, and it's her responsibility. But we'll go forward if we have to, even though that could be complicated," said Rannenberg, noting that the building was not insured.
