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Emergency demolition ordered for Norfolk building

Posted at 1:41 PM, Aug 29, 2013
and last updated 2013-08-29 18:49:33-04

Norfolk, Va. - Granby St. is closed between Olney Rd. & Wilson St. for emergency demolition of a building on the northeast corner of Granby & Olney.

The former Calvin Zedd building has been vacant for more than five years and is now owned by Southern Bank and Trust. It was clear no one was taking care of it.

According to fire marshals, the building had been slated for demolition for some time and was only on hold while utilities surrounding the building were cleared.

The roof had become so bad it fell onto power lines and knocked out phone service for nearby businesses.

Asbestos abatement had already been completed on the building, so the fire marshal's office moved quickly to secure permits for the demolition. Crews were able to destroy the building within hours.

The city has talked about making the area the new arts district, but no official plans have been released.

Granby Street will be blocked from Olney Rd. to Wilson Street until crews are done.