Demolition order issued for partially collapsed building in Detroit’s Eastern Market

A demolition order was issued for a building in Eastern Market, Detroit, after it partially collapsed shortly before noon on Saturday, September 16.

Furthermore, parts of the south façade collapsed on the third and fourth floor of the 130-year-old Del Bene building, which is located on Russell Street and Winder.

Shortly after the event, the City of Detroit issued an emergency demolition order, while the department of Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) stated that the building poses a direct life safety threat to the public, as there is an imminent risk of further collapse.

According to BSEED director, David Bell, the reasons behind the collapse have not yet been determined, but an investigation is currently ongoing.

It is worth noting that the building had received nine blight tickets in the past, with the most recent one being in 2017, as Click on Detroit reports.

The Del Bene building was originally used as a tobacco warehouse, while today it is home to several businesses.

Due to the historic presence of Del Bene in Detroit’s Eastern Market, a wide public discussion has started on whether demolition could be avoided.