Demolition is under way on downtown Galesburg building that suffered extensive structural damage from a Monday fire.
According to City of Galesburg and Galesburg Fire Department inspectors, the fire at 149-15 E. Main St. compromised the structural integrity of the top floor of the 3-story building. At that time, the property owner and property management company made the decision to apply for an emergency demolition permit through the State of Illinois, in order to demolish the top level of the building for safety purposes.
Work started shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday to demolish east side of the top portion of the building. North Prairie Street between Main and Ferris streets remains closed to traffic.
For the safety of pedestrians and motorists, the city will continue to keep the nearby sidewalk and roadways closed while the work is under way.
Removal of the top level of the building is anticipated to resolve the structural integrity issues in order for the building to be further assessed. The City of Galesburg Fire Department and Community Development Department will continue to collaborate with the private property owner of the downtown building to address the fire damage and provide assistance with evaluation of the building and next steps.
At 10:07 a.m. on Monday, the Galesburg Fire Department responded to the fire. Upon arrival, fire personnel encountered smoke and fire from the third story, on the north and east sides of the structure. Galesburg Fire Department was able to successfully gain control of the fire, and damages to the structure are estimated at $160,000.
Before the Galesburg Fire Department’s arrival, a citizen noticed the fire, made entry to the second floor of the structure, and assisted a resident out of the building. Two cats died and were recovered and turned over to animal control.
The structure has two businesses on the first floor, and residential units on the second and third floors.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Galesburg Fire investigators.
