UPDATE: Owner plans to rebuild collapsed downtown garage

UPDATE POSTED 2:15 p.m. THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The owner of the BB&T Plaza said Friday it intends to rebuild the adjacent parking garage that partially collapsed during a heavy snowstorm in February.

Lexington Opportunity Fund said it plans to immediately demolish the garage and that D.W. Wilburn Co., of Lexington, will build a new $8 million structure that is scheduled to be completed by summer 2022.Other improvements to the plaza are being planned, the company added.

Lexington Opportunity Fund is an affiliate of the Greer Companies and The Webb Companies, both of which are based in Lexington.

Both companies are experienced at developing, owning and managing commercial real estate throughout the country, including the $230 million M City Complex directly across Vine Street from BB&T Plaza.

UPDATE POSTED 2 P.M. THURSDAY, FEB. 18, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Webb Company, which owns the parking garage that suffered a partial collapse early Thursday morning, issued the following statement concerning the incident:

“In the early morning of February 18th, due to high volumes of winter weather, the parking garage on High Street experienced a failure of a horizontal concrete beam near the Mill Street entrance. This accident was unforeseen and unavoidable. Importantly, there were no injuries of any kind and no vehicles were damaged.

“Upon learning of the structural failure, the Lexington Fire Department, LFUCG Building Inspection, state and city officials were notified of the incident. We are very fortunate to have wonderful police and fire departments that responded to this accident immediately.

Upon arrival of emergency responders, the entire block was closed and evaluated to ensure the safety of all surrounding areas. We would also like to thank the Parking Authority for its offer to make parking spaces in its transit garage available to any displaced parkers.

“Building ownership has engaged architects, engineers, and consultants to evaluate the structure and make recommendations on stabilizing the site and will immediately begin repairs to stabilize the structure. While taking these necessary measures, we will endeavor to limit any interruptions to traffic. Of utmost importance, is the safety of the public and our tenants.”

UPDATE POSTED 10 A.M. THURSDAY, FEB. 18, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – South Mill Street between High and Vine streets in downtown Lexington will be closed for a time Thursday afternoon so demolition equipment can be moved into place. A definitive time has not been set.

UPDATE POSTED 9 A.M., FEB. 18, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – City inspectors are on the scene of a partially collapsed parking garage in downtown Lexington.

The two-story structure is owned by Webb Brothers Property. The collapse of part of the second floor onto the first floor was reported at about 6 a.m., when fire crews were dispatched to the 200 block of Vine Street.

Firefighters said no injuries were reported and no cars were in the collapsed section, they said.

It’s unclear whether snow and ice or other factors led to the collapse.

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED 6:50 A.M.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Emergency crews responded to a report of a parking deck collapse in downtown Lexington. According to Lexwrecks, West High Street is shutdown at South Upper Street, and West Vine Street is reportedly shutdown at South Mill Street.

People are advised to avoid the area.

This is a developing story. Check back with ABC36 for updates.

Source: Lexwrecks