The top level of the building at 149 East Main Street will be demolished for safety purposes. The property owner and management have applied for an emergency demolition permit through the State of Illinois, and demolition can start as early as tonight, February 20, 2024. The City of Galesburg closed the sidewalks and roadways around the structure due to structural concerns from fire damage.
The Galesburg Fire Department responded to the fire on Monday at 10:07 AM. Fire personnel arrived to see smoke and fire on the north and east sides of the structure. The Galesburg Fire Department gained control of the fire, and damages from the fire are estimated at $160,000.
The city will keep the nearby sidewalks and roadways closed while the work is underway. Removal of the top level of the building is anticipated to resolve the structural integrity issues and allow the building to be further assessed. The City of Galesburg Fire Department and Community Development Department will continue to collaborate with the private property owner of the downtown building to address the fire damage and provide assistance with the evaluation of the building and next steps.
