Mobile’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) approved an emergency permit Friday morning for the historic Key Loan building at 522 Dauphin St., where a crack that developed in the building’s western wall is threatening the integrity of the structure. According to a spokesperson for the owner, the permit allows for the “deconstruction and reconstruction” of the building, rather than its “demolition.”

Allegedly, the ARB held an emergency meeting due to imminent “life and safety concerns” at the 19th century building on the corner of Dauphin and Cedar streets. The spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous, said the section of Dauphin Street in front of the building was closed off out of an abundance of caution, and work will begin tomorrow morning to dismantle and stabilize the wall. If further deconstruction on the building is necessary, “we’re prepared to do that,” the spokesperson said.

‘Deconstruction,’ not demolition, of historic downtown building to begin tomorrow

522back

‘Deconstruction,’ not demolition, of historic downtown building to begin tomorrow

522crack

‘Deconstruction,’ not demolition, of historic downtown building to begin tomorrow

522front

‘Deconstruction,’ not demolition, of historic downtown building to begin tomorrow

522side

Recommended for you

(0) comments

Welcome to the discussion.

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.

Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to read or post comments.