Photo by Dorri Partain
Photo by Dorri Partain

Dorri Partain

Managing Editor

Following a partial roof collapse of a commercial structure on Thursday, Aug, 28, a section of roadway and sidewalk was barricaded to reduce harm to passersby.

A commercial building at 4835 Independence Ave. experienced a partial collapse of its bowstring roof. This collapse caused the west-side building wall to bow outward — leaving visible cracks in the cinder block structure. The building was most recently used for material storage and was not occupied at the time of the collapse.

The right lane and sidewalk at 4837 Independence ave., has been closed for public safety as the Dangerous Buildings and City Planning departments assess damage following a partial roof collapse on Thursday, Aug. 28. | Photo by Dorri Partain

According to a media release from the Kansas City Fire Department, companies responded just before 12:30 p.m. and set up a collapse zone. Traffic was detoured along Independence Avenue between Brighton and Chelsea Avenues for several hours as Dangerous Buildings inspectors, the City Planning Department and building’s owner and tenant met to discuss a plan to secure the building. 

On Friday, Aug. 29, The Northeast News spoke with the building owners on-site but they declined to comment. The City’s 311 Parcel Viewer online platform identifies the building owner as Holder Family Irrevocable Trust of Lee’s Summit, Mo. This address has previously housed the Allen’s Bowl and Aaron’s Rental and Sales businesses.