There’s something we love about scaffolding. It holds that promise that something might be happening. It can also hold the insult of inaction. Today we have action. Crews have begun repair work on what could possibly be Phoenix Hill’s most dangerous building. The three-story structure belongs to the Bargain Supply Warehouse, which takes up most of the block, but was damaged pretty badly in this year’s Death of Ike storm. The entire roof was peeled away and the third floor nearly went with it.
After months of waiting for LG&E to have time to barricade the electric wires out front, scaffolding has finally been installed and work begun to fix the problem. The 19th century building sits between Shelby and Campbell Streets on Liberty and will have its top floor dismantled brick by brick down to the top row of window sills. The building will then be rebuilt to match its original appearance (we hope that means the original window sizes?) and a new roof installed. We don’t expect the multi-brick wythe wall will be restored, but likely a concrete block wall faced with the original brick will take its place.
Another win for a near-demo building. We’re surprised the city hasn’t ripped this one apart a long time ago. But its contribution to the sidewalk likely won’t improve soon. It’s going to continue its life as a warehouse for the foreseeable future.
- Dude, Where’s My Roof: Phoenix Hill Edition (Broken Sidewalk)
