UPDATE: A licensed structural engineer has completed the initial inspection of the vacant building and stated the structure is in a state of collapse and will require immediate and extreme repairs to be stabilized; otherwise, demolition will be necessary. The area remains closed off and Liberty Utilities made the decision last night to cap the gas lines at the street level rather than excavating Main Street. While gas service to the building had been shut off for at least five years, capping the lines at the street is a critical safety step.

The City of Sedalia has closed the sidewalk and eastbound traffic in the 200 block of West Main Street to protect public safety due to growing structural concerns about the vacant building located at 207 West Main Street.

The building has been deteriorating over the past several months, but suffered new damages from the recent storms. As a precautionary measure, the City has restricted access to the area while steps are taken to evaluate the stability of the structure.

To move forward with a formal inspection, a judge has approved the City’s request for an administrative search warrant, allowing a certified structural engineer to enter the premises and evaluate the condition of the building. If the engineer determines the structure is beyond repair, demolition may be necessary. Should the building prove too unsafe to enter, the Sedalia Police Department is prepared to conduct an aerial assessment using drone technology.

The City has communicated with the property owner’s legal counsel, and a key to the building has since been provided by the owner. The City has also made efforts to communicate its plan to nearby business owners who may be affected by the closure. Due to last night’s severe weather, many City departments-including Public Works, Police, and Fire-were actively responding to storm-related incidents such as downed trees and road hazards.