A structural engineer, hired by the City, deemed the building a hazard which requires its immediate demolition. Recent rain and wind have accelerated the deterioration of the structure.
For safety reasons, one lane of Broadway and the sidewalk will be closed between 3rd and 4th Streets for the duration of the project, which is expected to last at least a month. There will be periods of time that both lanes of Broadway between 3rd and 4th Streets will have to be closed.
To begin the process, the building’s front and back will be stabilized so that the interior walls then can be detached from the adjacent buildings safely, and without harming the neighboring structures.
The City purchased the building in Oct. 2018 for less than $400 as part of a foreclosure process with the intent to raze the deteriorated building and advocate for future redevelopment.
City Manager Jim Arndt says, “Our goal in purchasing this dilapidated structure last year is to protect the neighboring buildings and the public who use the sidewalk and Broadway. Removing a building from historic downtown is never something that we want to do. This week, a few bricks fell from the façade which was a sign for the City to expedite the demolition process to protect our historic downtown.”
Paducah Main Street Director Katie Axt says, “The City of Paducah has a robust toolbox of programs for property owners to utilize for the preservation and redevelopment of historic buildings." Axt adds, “The Kresge is an unfortunate example of the specific risks to our historic assets and what happens when a private property owner does not maintain their property."
For safety reasons, one lane of Broadway and the sidewalk will be closed between 3rd and 4th Streets for the duration of the project, which is expected to last at least a month. There will be periods of time that both lanes of Broadway between 3rd and 4th Streets will have to be closed.
To begin the process, the building’s front and back will be stabilized so that the interior walls then can be detached from the adjacent buildings safely, and without harming the neighboring structures.
The City purchased the building in Oct. 2018 for less than $400 as part of a foreclosure process with the intent to raze the deteriorated building and advocate for future redevelopment.
City Manager Jim Arndt says, “Our goal in purchasing this dilapidated structure last year is to protect the neighboring buildings and the public who use the sidewalk and Broadway. Removing a building from historic downtown is never something that we want to do. This week, a few bricks fell from the façade which was a sign for the City to expedite the demolition process to protect our historic downtown.”
Paducah Main Street Director Katie Axt says, “The City of Paducah has a robust toolbox of programs for property owners to utilize for the preservation and redevelopment of historic buildings." Axt adds, “The Kresge is an unfortunate example of the specific risks to our historic assets and what happens when a private property owner does not maintain their property."
The building has not been occupied for over 20 years.
