2018-005 108 N. Locust FireDate: January 12, 2018 Report No. 2018-005
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Update on the December 26, 2017, fire at 108 N. Locust and affected adjoining businesses
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, December 26, a fire broke out at 108 N. Locust (The Downtown Mini Mall).
Firefighters responded around 3 a.m. Five other fire departments were called in to help (Lake Cities,
Flower Mound, Highland Village, Aubrey, and Lewisville) as the fire escalated.
Economic Development and other City staff were on hand the morning of the fire to talk to
building owners, merchants and residents. Since then, the following steps have been taken by
staff:
Compile a list of businesses, building owners and residents, with names, emails, and
phone numbers, for the fire department
Compile a list of City services that the fire victims might find helpful, with direct lines.
City Staff was given the list, so they could identify them and expedite their requests.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Preservation Texas were contacted for
information on emergency grants. Two grant applications have been submitted for 108
N. Locust.
The Texas Main Street Center architect was contacted, we sent photos and she compiling
scenarios and estimated costs for 108 N. Locust. As a certified Main Street City, we can
offer this to downtown building owners at no cost to them.
The Courthouse on the Square took on a large amount of smoke and soot, which has been
remediated. County employees were back in their offices on January 9. The Museum
will be closed for several months, as all the artifacts must be unpacked, examined,
cleaned and repacked by preservation specialists.
Staff remains in contact with the affected businesses and residents through emails, phone
calls, and texts.
Businesses that remain closed are: Downtown Mini Mall, Jupiter House, La Di Da, and
Shop the Barn.
Since the fire, there has been a partial closure of Austin Street to provide adequate safety
clearances for the rear wall. In addition, the sidewalk and a portion of Locust Street is
also fenced off due to safety concerns in the front of the building.
Date: January 12, 2018 Report No. 2018-005
CONCLUSION:
City Staff has been informed that the owners of the Mini Mall are seeking price quotes from a
structural engineer to determine the structural integrity of the rear and front façades.
Staff also has been told by the Mini Mall owners that they will be selecting a structural engineer
soon. Once the engineering firm is secured, Building Inspection staff will be on standby to
discuss what options the engineer will be recommending to structurally secure both façades and
determine a plan to move forward. In the meantime, it is recommended that the security fencing
on Austin and Locust remain in place. Also because of safety concerns due to the uncertainty of
the structural integrity of the entire structure, there has been little to no activity on the cleanup of
contents inside of the burned location.
City staff will continue to assist affected parties until all issues regarding the fire have been
resolved.
STAFF CONTACT:
Julie Glover
940-349-7732
julie.glover@cityofdenton.com