NEWS

Building that suffered collapse was condemned

Patrick Brennan, and Cameron Knight
Cincinnati
Part of the roof of this building, formerly the East End Cafe, collapsed toward the back of the structure, prompting police to close Eastern Avenue for several blocks.

The East End building that suffered a partial collapse Monday had already been condemned, the city said Tuesday.

Part of the roof of the building at 4003 Eastern Ave., once home of the East End Cafe, collapsed toward the back of the structure, prompting police to close Eastern Avenue for several blocks.

No injuries were reported.

"The owner of the building applied for a demolition permit on April 6 and it is being routed for review," said Rocky Merz, Director of Communications for the City of Cincinnati.

In addition to revisiting the building Monday, Merz said building inspectors were at the site earlier this month to prepare protection specifications for demolition.

"The building is condemned," Merz said. "It has been declared dangerous and unsafe."

According to Enquirer archives, the building has previously endured at least one fire in 2010.

In addition to the fire, the property was the subject of a bankruptcy, which tied it up in court along with the payment of the fire loss claim, Merz explained.