The city is preparing to take action if nothing is done to demolish the crumbling building at 200 E. High St. or the building next door at 202 E. High St.
At Monday's Jefferson City Council meeting, Planning and Protective Services Department Director Sonny Sanders initiated a request to the council for a supplemental appropriation of $300,000 to pay for possible demolition of "one or the other, or both" of the properties.
Nearly 18 months ago, a west-facing wall of the building at 200 E. High St. started crumbling into Madison Street. Structural engineers determined the wall had collapsed due to water infiltration and hidden decay of the mortar in the wall.
There are fears demolishing that building could cause issues for 202 E. High St. or even 204 E. High St., down the line, due to common walls. In October, Cole County Presiding Judge Pat Joyce reaffirmed an earlier decision that the owners of 200 E. High St. also own the common wall between the two buildings.
The city ruled 200 and 202 E. High St. were dangerous buildings more than a year ago and both property owners were given deadlines to repair or demolish their buildings, which both missed.
After they missed the deadlines, the city conducted administrative hearings and ruled the city could begin abatement if the property owners did not repair or demolish 200 and 202 E. High St.
Also in October, the city determined the owners of 202 E. High St. had until Dec. 9 to begin "meaningful on-site work to repair or demolish" their building.
Sanders told the council the funds will only be used if the owners do not take their own action to demolish by Dec. 9. If the city spends the money to demolish either building, the cost will be considered a personal debt of the property owners, City Counselor Ryan Moehlman said, and will need to be reimbursed.
Sanders said the city is not sure yet how much the demolition, or demolitions, will cost.
Moehlman said they are currently working with engineers to determine how to fairly split the cost between 200 and 202 E. High St. He said the owners of 200 E. High St. have expressed a willingness to repay the city for demolition if needed.
Sanders said, following an additional inspection of the common wall, on Dec. 2 they will have an actual contract with the costs of demolition.
The council could vote on the supplemental agreement at its next meeting.