The Pekin Township building will be demolished immediately after significant structural damage was noticed.
Pekin Police Chief and interim city manager John Dossey said the city's chief building inspector was contacted around 3 p.m. Wednesday about the building. The inspector found a west wall was actively collapsing, and the roof had sustained damage.
It was determined an emergency demolition is needed for safety reasons.
The Pekin Fire Department and building inspection personnel are on the scene. Elizabeth Street is closed between 5th and 4th Streets until the area is made safe.
We depend on your support to keep telling stories like this one. You – together with donors across the NPR Network – create a more informed public. Fact by fact, story by story. Please take a moment to donate now and fund the local news our community needs. Your support truly makes a difference.