Code enforcement searching for owner of second collapsed building

WASHINGTON, Pa. — The man who owns the building that collapsed in Washington County is scheduled for court Tuesday.

He's facing code violations for the building.

Only 11 Investigates discovered another problem building and it's less than a block away from Wednesday's collapse that trapped a woman for more than nine hours.

The building is at Main and Chestnut streets in Washington.

TRENDING NOW:

• Vigil held to remember 4 men found dead on Pa. farm
• Alfred Angelo issues statement regarding stores' sudden closures
• George A. Romero, father of the zombie film, dies at 77
• PHOTOS: Car overturns into house, traps people on second floor

All three floors have collapsed inside, and the city can't find the owner.

“It's in pretty bad shape. We are looking to the demolition. We just have to find the funding to get it done,” said Ron McIntyre, code enforcement officer for the city of Washington. “The estimate we were given is $150,000.”

The building was built in 1900 and was once Chester's Antiques and Coins. The roof and all of the floors have collapsed down to the basement.

Channel 11 got a tip about the building's condition and talked to McIntyre.  He said the city got approval to demolish it months ago, even though it has an owner.

“We are trying to ID the owner and we have not yet been able to do that,” McIntyre said. “Whoever Michael Albert Smith is, I’ve sent him notices and fines.”

11 Investigates dug into 95 North Main Street's history.

It was purchased by Smith in January of this year for $1,200. He listed his current address as 95 North Main Street, the building he purchased, so the city can't track him.

The city owns the building directly behind it, which is also in horrific shape.  A quick look inside shows mold growing over collapsed floors.

City officials say they will try to go after the owner for money, hoping his insurance company will come through.

Cleanup at the building that collapsed Wednesday will require use of a giant crane, which costs several thousand dollars an hour.

Cox Media Group