White Castle gets closer to rebuilding burned restaurant

A 30-day notice to rebuild or demolish was issued last week to owners of condemned properties.

The smoke and fire damaged White Castle at 102 Siemers Drive is among them.

Firefighters responded to a blaze at the restaurant at 12:57 a.m. May 12, and officials said there was extensive damage throughout the building. Battalion chief Mark Starnes said because of its lightweight construction, the restaurant was considered a total loss.

Fans of the chain's bite-sized burgers were upset to see the restaurant out of commission and expressed hope the company would rebuild. They could get their wish.

Stephen Williams of the city's development services department said whenever a building qualifies for condemnation, owners have two options: Repair the structure and bring it up to recent construction codes or demolish the property and put it back to grade.

If that's not done within the 30-day time frame, a public hearing is held. There, city officials can speak more with property owners about their plans and make sure the process is moving along in a timely manner.

Often, demolition can be completed within the mandated time, but Williams said those who wish to repair or rebuild a structure often need an extension.

White Castle has expressed interest to the city about rebuilding on the same property and would likely need the extra time to complete the project.

"White Castle is getting ready to knock that property down, then do the building. ... It's a pretty good size operation, so it's probably going to take longer than 30, 60 or 90 days to get done," he said.

If a public hearing is required and the company moves forward with the rebuilding efforts, Williams said it would receive no less than 30 days on the extension.

Before the fire, White Castle was in a modified tan building that was once home to a Lion's Choice restaurant. The company now has an opportunity to build a trademark all-white facility more in line with its other properties.

Messages left at the Ohio-based company were not answered by Wednesday afternoon.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

102 Siemers Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.