An engineering firm conducted a site visit at Yazoo City’s central fire station, which collapsed last month with rubble from the historic building falling into Washington Street next to City Hall.
Considering whether renovation or reconstruction of the structure would be the right direction, Waggoner Engineering representatives provided a presentation at a recent Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.
Although a complete, more detailed, analysis of the building remains in the works, Alderwoman Elizabeth Thomas asked the firm what their thoughts were on the potential cause of the building collapsing.
“I think it was the part right under the bell tower; what was there supporting the bell tower,” Josh Sansing, with the engineering firm, replied. “It could have been decay from roof leaks or termites or a combination of both. I haven’t had a chance to look at it closely yet.”
The city of Yazoo City was awarded a Community Heritage Preservation Grant for City Hall from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History a few years ago. The Herald confirmed from MDAH that the “bell tower structural repair and water proofing” was included within that grant program.
The Herald continues its investigation with the grant programs, the scope of work, the bidding process and the amount of money involved surrounding past projects at the historic building. More details will appear in upcoming editions.
