NORTH VERNON, Ind. — Part of a building in downtown North Vernon collapsed on Saturday, May 20, and the building has now been condemned.
The Jennings County Area Plan Commission (APC) said the back of the building at 41 N. Madison Ave., likely collapsed due to unstable infrastructure and neglect.
An employee that works at Crimson Oak Restaurant and Pub next door had been standing next to the collapsed area only an hour prior to the disaster. APC Director Marie Shepherd said that if someone had been taking a smoke break at the time of the collapse, the gas leak that resulted due to the collapse could have ignited and destroyed the whole block.
The first floor of the building is vacant, however, there was a tenant living on the second floor. The tenant was not present when the collapse occurred and has now been removed for safety. The building has been on APC’s radar for some time, but legally they are not allowed to enter a vacant building without a court order, according to Shepherd.
The building’s owner agreed to tear down the back half of the building, as that portion is not original to the building and was added on later, however, after considering prior complaints and the outrage from the crowd that gathered at Monday’s City Council meeting, Shepherd said they will look into filing to have the entire building torn down.
“It’s eye-opening for all of us,” Shepherd said at the Council meeting. “Buildings have gone way too long without interference. It’s a process. I know it’s frustrating.”
Owners of nearby businesses were concerned that they would need to shut down for the safety of customers, staff, and passersby.
North Vernon Fire Chief Mike Cole and Tim Hunt with HWC Engineering said that, while they are not building inspectors and cannot say with certainty if the building were to collapse further, it would likely fall inward and not outward, and therefore the businesses do not need to close.
The alley next to the building, however, will be closed off until further notice.
Shepherd assured the Council and the public that resolving this issue is currently APC’s top priority.
