Hidden dangers lurk in the rafters of the Blue Streak Printing Building in downtown Hopkinsville, compromising the structural integrity.
Gardner Engineering Consulting presented the findings of its in-depth structural review at a special-called City Council meeting Tuesday night. Professional Engineer, Kelly Gardner says the bones of the building are compromised.
The beams have been absorbing water not only from the leaking roof but from the unsealed brick. The report says “to make the situation worse, the original rafters were not sized for the added load of the lower suspended ceilings, further overstressing the rafters and trusses.”
Gardner adds that his second concern is the front wall collapsing.
There were two drop ceilings in the building that had to be cut into for Gardner and fire inspectors to assess the damage.
Gardner was asked about the possibility of repair.
But added his insurance would not cover him shoring up the building.
City Attorney Doug Willen cautioned the Council.
He adds a building in this state owned by a private citizen would not have the opportunity to be sold to a third party.
The state of Blue Streak Printing led City Council to discuss other downtown buildings, with Councilman Clayton Sumner asking Fire Chief Steve Futrell to elaborate on what they are allowed to inspect.
Sumner also asked if the city gets inspections on properties before purchasing.
Mayor JR Knight and Futrell said the former owner was not cooperative with inspections.
Futrell says he realizes tearing the building down is not a popular decision, but for him, it is about safety.
Knight says once the building is demolished, the City Council will be asked to declare all the empty lots in the area surplus.
City Council voted 10-0 to demolish the building under an emergency declaration. Councilmen Travis Martin and Seth Meek were absent.
