Building in Chaffee partially collapses

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- A building at 107 S. Main St., partially collapsed Tuesday in Chaffee, but no injuries were reported.

It has been unoccupied for several years.

"The building will more than likely be demolished," said owner Pete Dooley.

Multiple letters had been sent to Dooley requesting repairs be made to the east and north facades, according to city administrator Lee Horton. The brick facades were leaning outward and concerns were that the walls would collapse and injure pedestrians.

Dooley had told city officials he was trying to sell the building, Horton said.

Shawn Pobst, owner of Soap and Suds, closed the laundromat adjacent to the building because of safety concerns.

Built in 1926 by the insurance and real estate firm Wylie and Packwood, whose name adorns the second-story brick facade, the building is commonly known as the "Stubb's Building," after its longest tenants, Stubb's Hardware, which occupied it from the early 1940 to 1983.

Demolition will begin when the proper inspections and insurance protocol is finalized, said Terry Lee who has been contacted to perform the work.

Pertinent address:

107 S. Main St., Chaffee, Mo.