2018-012 108 N Locust (Mini Mall)Date: February 2, 2018 Report No. 2018-012
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Status of the fire damaged property located 108 N. Locust St. (Mini-Mall)
BACKGROUND:
December 26, 2017 a four alarm fire occurred at the subject address. The building was a complete loss
with only the front and rear facades remaining.
Since the day of the fire City staff has worked with the property owners to provide them information and
options on how best to assist during this very difficult and emotional time. The information included
staff contact information, a list of professional resources and information on available grants through a
number of different agencies. Staff actions were focused on assisting them through their decision
making process in an effort to quickly abate the hazard and open the public streets and sidewalk.
Since the fire occurred there has been a great deal of discussion on the historic significance of the Mini
Mall. This property is in close proximity to a historic landmark, however this building is not a
designated as historic landmark. Therefore the property owner does not have limitations or requirements
to go before the Historic Landmark Commission, nor does the City have cause to prevent or delay the
demolition of the building.
For the past month the property owners have had a variety of contractors and engineers survey the
building in order provide professional recommendations for the family’s consideration. After careful
deliberation the owners have contracted with a firm to demolish the remaining building facades and
remove the fire debris.
January 31, 2018 Tactical Demolition made application for a demolition permit to abate the hazard and
remove the fire damaged materials from the site. The contractor will begin by saw cutting both front and
back façade walls. They will confirm there are no connections to the adjacent properties. The contractor
will knock down the front façade and remove the rear façade and contents from the Locust side of the
building. The site will be completely removed clear down to the ground or slab where concrete exists.
February 2, 2018 City of Denton Building Inspection issued a Demolition Permit for 108 N. Locust St.
On or after February 6, 2018 Tactical Demolition will begin operations. The contractor will take
measures to prevent damage to neighboring properties as well as City sidewalk, streets and utilities. It is
anticipated the contractor should complete the work within a total of seven days, removing the
temporary fencing on both Locust and Austin Streets immediately following the demolition operations
abating the dangerous condition. The contractor will suspend construction operations over the weekend
to avoid noise and disruption to businesses on the square.
Date: February 2, 2018 Report No. 2018-012
The owners will be installing an eight (8) foot tall wood wall on both facades following once the
demolition contractor completes their work.
This project will inevitably draw spectators; staff has coordinated with both police and fire to closely
monitor site conditions to ensure public safety. Additionally, economic development staff will be
communicating with business in the area to provide this information and address any concerns they may
have.
STAFF CONTACT:
Scott A. McDonald
Director/Chief Building Official
Department of Development Services
940-349-8539
Scott.mcdonald@cityofdenton.com