ELKHART, Ind. – The Elkhart Board of Public Safety approved the demolition of a vacant building located at 131 South Main Street, which was determined to be “structurally unsound.”

The City says that the structure is a growing risk for motorists and pedestrians, and it needed to be demolished.

In a statement, Mayor Tim Neese said, “Generally, I believe it is in the City’s best interest to preserve our building stock whenever possible. I find it extremely disappointing to see this piece of our downtown landscape demolished, but given the unique set of circumstances, we unfortunately have no other option. The safety of the citizens of the City of Elkhart will always be my highest priority, and the longer this building stays standing, the greater the risk it becomes.”

Lexington Avenue from Main Street to the north-south alley will close down. The closure will take effect on October 1 and last until November 20. The south side sidewalk will remain open.

Traffic will be detoured via High Street or Jackson Boulevard.

On October 9, the southbound lane of Main Street will be closed from Lexington Avenue to Jackson Boulevard. This closure will last until October 30.

Traffic will be detoured via Water Fall drive. The intersection of Waterfall Drive and Lexington Avenue will be temporarily marked as a four-way stop while the detour is in effect.

The City will closely monitor the demolition and provide the appropriate signage from motorists/pedestrians.

For more information regarding the demolition, contact Sommer Bowers, Customer and Executive Services Manager, at 574-294-5471 ext. 1024.