“The Gordon Block” has stood on 12th Avenue adjacent to Victoria Park in Regina since 1912.
Sunday, a fire tore through the building, essentially gutting the inside. While an investigation into the cause is underway, fire investigators can’t access the portions they need to because it is unsafe.
The decision has been made to tear the building down slowly, so investigators can get in. The hope is to preserve some of the historic features of the building as well.
“Its heavy timber construction” according to Fire Marshal Randy Ryba, “that’s what’s holds the entire building together. So the more collapse inside, means more potential for a failure of the exterior walls.”
Public safety is the main reason for the tear down, with strong winds and weak walls there is the potential for someone getting hurt, or damage to the neighbouring plaza.
The heritage building has seen some demolition permits issued for the owner Harvard Developments, but no plan to tear down the building was submitted, and those permits expired.
As the tear down begins that will limit events in and around Pat Fiacco Plaza planned for this weekend. The tear down could take several days.
The building is owned by Harvard Developments, which is owned by the Hill Companies. The Hill Companies are the owners of this radio station.
