A partial structural collapse in Athens County has led officials to declare a downtown building unsafe and schedule it for demolition.
City leaders in Nelsonville said a roughly six-foot section of brick wall fell from The Mine Tavern on Sunday, prompting an inspection by a structural engineer.
As a precaution, residents of the nearby Dew House — a historic hotel now used for elderly housing — were evacuated earlier in the day. They were temporarily relocated to Stuart’s Opera House while officials work with partner organizations to arrange longer-term accommodations.
After assessing the damage, the engineer determined the tavern building is structurally unsound and poses a risk to surrounding businesses. The city announced the structure will be demolished.
Public Square, where the building stands, remains closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic until further notice. Officials are urging residents to avoid the area and use alternate routes as crews continue working at the site.