River Bend Times

Information Update as of June 21, 2023 at 4:41 p.m. 

The building at 324 Main Street is now fully dismantled. Site cleanup has begun and is expected to take several weeks. The public should anticipate an increase in vehicles in and around the site as well as exiting at 4th and Harrison streets as debris is removed. 

Information Update as of June 14, 2023 at 8:04 a.m. 

The City of Davenport has engaged the Chicago-based White Birch Group, LLC and SOCOTEC Engineering to conduct a cause and origin report on the partial collapse of the building at 324 Main Street. Both firms are highly regarded and have considerable experience in this type of investigation. The duration of the assessment is not known at this time. The completed report will first be shared with relevant agencies and oversight authorities. When deemed appropriate, it will also be shared with the public.

Information Update as of June 11, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

Over the past week, the City has been engaged with structural engineers, regulatory authorities and contracting company that have advised when best and how to fully dismantle the partially collapsed building at 324 Main Street. This has been a thorough planning process that has considered asbestos removal and the impact on neighboring properties. Part of the preparation included inspections of nearby structures to determine their vulnerability. That last resulted in the City ordering the vacation of the remaining occupied apartments at 400 and 410 North Main Street. 

It is anticipated that crews will begin the dismantling process on Monday, June 12. Once the dismantling work is complete, crews will then need to remove the debris and clear the site. This process is expected to take several weeks.

Information Update as of June 11, 2023 at 3:54 p.m.

On May 27, 2023 at approximately 2:48 p.m., the Davenport Fire Department was dispatched to 324 Main Street. While on scene, the Davenport Fire Department observed active work occurring and external shoring was in place and observable.

Later that day, inspectors with the Development and Neighborhood Services Department arrived on scene and determined that the work appeared to be progressing in accordance with the plans and specifications previously submitted by a professional engineer. They observed that the external shoring was in place with no observable signs of difficulty or bowing in the external shoring. Once inspectors left, work continued on the building on May 27 and throughout the day on Sunday, May 28.

More than 24 hours elapsed between the time of these site visits and the partial building collapse. The matter remains under investigation.

Information Update as of June 8, 203 @ 2:42 p.m.

On June 8, 2023 City staff, in coordination with structural engineers, assessed the conditions of structures adjacent to 324 Main Street. This work is being done in advance of increased dismantling activity at the partially collapsed building.

During this assessment it was determined that the building at 400 and 410 North Main Street (commonly known as the Executive Square Building) had areas of structural concern. Out of an abundance of caution, the City ordered the remaining five residential units in the property to be vacated. (The majority of the residential and all business units at the Executive Square Building were vacated on May 31, 2023, in response to the partial building collapse of 324 Main Street.) The building is now completely vacated. 

In addition, the City has ordered the property owner to install temporary structural shoring to the interior of the building prior to commencement of dismantling of 324 Main Street.

The Red Cross stands ready to assist those who have been displaced. Displaced residents may call 1-800-RED-CROSS for assistance. 

Original source can be found here.