DAYTON -- The Arcade building is too unsafe to open for public tours, the city of Dayton says.
Extensive code violations are preventing a temporary occupancy permit for the tour, which was planned by the building's owner Gunter Berg for May 10 during the popular Urban Nights event.
Michael Cromartie, Daytonâs Chief Building Official, denied a permit request to have the Arcade open to the public for the event. Following an inspection of the facility on April 18, City building inspectors found widespread code violations that would âcompromise the health and safety for the general public entering the Arcade building complex.â
Among the unacceptable safety hazards in the Arcade are:
⢠Extensive black mold on floors and walls posing serious air quality concerns
⢠Broken and failing windows from the glass rotunda overhead
⢠Standing pools of water caused by rain falling through broken windows
⢠No functioning sprinkler or smoke detection systems in place
⢠No electrical power or water service
⢠Fallen ceiling debris
"I use to do a lot of shopping in that arcade building," said Barbara Seitz, of Dayton. "It's been such an old building that it gotten to where nobody wants to build their business in there."
A search online deemed Gunther Berg as co-owner of the building. Reporter went to his last known business address and the property was vacant.
"If they work to fix this building up and correct all these bad violations the building might be open for the future," said Tim Riordan, Dayton's City Manager.
It's estimated it will take million to repair and renovate.
âWe are disappointed to discover the extent to which the Arcade complex has fallen into disrepair over the past few years,â Assistant City Manager Shelley Dickstein wrote in a letter notifying Arcade owner Gunther Berg of the Cityâs decision to prevent the public from being exposed to the
hazardous conditions. âLittle has been done to resolve the numerous violations identified in early inspections, nor has there been any effort to keep the buildings secure and dry to inhibit further deterioration. As you know, the future of these buildings remains a focal point for the community. We are anxious to see more tangible progress in your efforts to stabilize and redevelop this downtown property.â
READ: City's response to special inspection
Extensive code violations are preventing a temporary occupancy permit for the tour, which was planned by the building's owner Gunter Berg for May 10 during the popular Urban Nights event.
Michael Cromartie, Daytonâs Chief Building Official, denied a permit request to have the Arcade open to the public for the event. Following an inspection of the facility on April 18, City building inspectors found widespread code violations that would âcompromise the health and safety for the general public entering the Arcade building complex.â
Among the unacceptable safety hazards in the Arcade are:
⢠Extensive black mold on floors and walls posing serious air quality concerns
⢠Broken and failing windows from the glass rotunda overhead
⢠Standing pools of water caused by rain falling through broken windows
⢠No functioning sprinkler or smoke detection systems in place
⢠No electrical power or water service
⢠Fallen ceiling debris
"I use to do a lot of shopping in that arcade building," said Barbara Seitz, of Dayton. "It's been such an old building that it gotten to where nobody wants to build their business in there."
A search online deemed Gunther Berg as co-owner of the building. Reporter went to his last known business address and the property was vacant.
"If they work to fix this building up and correct all these bad violations the building might be open for the future," said Tim Riordan, Dayton's City Manager.
It's estimated it will take million to repair and renovate.
âWe are disappointed to discover the extent to which the Arcade complex has fallen into disrepair over the past few years,â Assistant City Manager Shelley Dickstein wrote in a letter notifying Arcade owner Gunther Berg of the Cityâs decision to prevent the public from being exposed to the
hazardous conditions. âLittle has been done to resolve the numerous violations identified in early inspections, nor has there been any effort to keep the buildings secure and dry to inhibit further deterioration. As you know, the future of these buildings remains a focal point for the community. We are anxious to see more tangible progress in your efforts to stabilize and redevelop this downtown property.â
READ: City's response to special inspection