Vacant Minneapolis Buildings Causing Concern

Vacant buildings are a cause for concern throughout the metro. They’re not only a nuisance, but they’re also a potential danger. A police canine died after falling from an abandoned building on Monday. After the accident, FOX 9 wanted to find out who’s making sure these vacant buildings stay safe.

The economy has put several development plans on hold, including a condo project where an old Jaguar dealership stands in downtown Minneapolis. The building was supposed to be torn down, but sits empty instead. For police and firefighters, abandoned buildings are more than just an eyesore.

Minneapolis Police Spokesman Sgt. Jesse Garcia said officers are often faced with dangers when they’re called to abandoned homes and buildings.

“If they’re coming up on a building that has floors that are structurally unsafe, they don’t know if the gas has been left on, there are a lot of unknowns,” said Garcia.

A police canine died, when he tumbled from a roof of an empty car dealership in downtown Minneapolis. Police said the canine was searching for copper thieves.

Now, city inspectors plan to take a closer look at the building’s condition.

Tom Deegan of the City of Minneapolis Problem Properties Unit said, “We had no reason to believe it was a public nuisance until this break-in occurred.”

Inspectors said they typically don’t investigate abandoned commercial properties, unless they receive a complaint. Right now, they’re only working with a handful of owners to fix, code violations.

Deegan said, “Most of the commercial properties we see for sale are being professionally managed, and those managers work in concert with building and fire officials.”

Although problem properties are few, police maintain empty buildings are a concern. They’re targets for arsonists and thieves.

Authorities wouldn’t call the old Jaguar dealership downtown a “nuisance” without further investigation. FOX 9 tried to contact the property owner, but he did not return our calls. City inspectors said they will notify the owner of their plans to fully inspect the building, inside and out.