Water, Weather, Age Likely Contributed To Partial Wall Collapse In Center City, According To L&I
By Robin Culverwell
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Water, the freeze-thaw cycle, and age are likely culprits in Tuesday's partial wall collapse in Center City.
Department of Licenses and Inspections officials say water getting into old masonry may have loosened bricks along a rooftop wall - causing them to fall onto a clothing store next door.
Records indicate 1529 Walnut was built in 1926.
Three people inside the Lululemon store at 1527 Walnut suffered minor injuries when bricks crashed through the roof.
L & I officials say the owners of the taller building have had debris removed, the wall stabilized and flashing installed to keep water out.
The owners of 1527 will survey their property and begin repairs once temporary fixes are complete next door.
Then L & I will monitor repairs to see when both buildings will be safe for re-occupancy.
