Demolition stop order leaves part of facade hanging precariously.
It could take weeks to resolve a dispute between the city of Dayton and demolition contractor Steve R. Rauch Inc. on the extent of the demolition underway at downtown buildings formerly occupied by the Dayton Daily News.
Demolition was halted by the city on Monday after a Rauch crew tore down part of the structure’s 1922 facade, said Aaron Sorrell, director of planning and community development for the city.
Sorrell said the city Landmarks Commission had required that developer Student Suites Inc. retain the original 1908 facade at Fourth and Ludlow, as well as facade facing Fourth Street that was added in 1922.
But engineering drawings provided by Rauch Wednesday indicate the entire 1922 addition was to be demolished, with only the 1908 building standing after a total of four structures were torn down.The four buildings are all shaded out and drawing notes say only the 1908 building is to remain standing.
Scott Wells, project manager with Rauch, said he worked from the drawings and received demolition permits from the city to tear the buildings down. As it stands, the third floor of the 1922 building is mostly removed, with the exception of a piece of the Fourth Street facade that seems to be hanging precariously.
Wells said the piece is stable for now, but he hopes the issue resolves soon. The Landmarks Commission is not scheduled to meet again until Dec. 19.
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