A BizSense reader spotted Richmond Police plastering a blaze-orange condemnation notice on the former Interbake factory near Broad and Boulevard.
The site is owned by D.C.-developer Douglas Jemal and is appraised by the city at more than $5.4 million.
BizSense is looking into the violations so check back for more later.
BizSense does not know of any concrete plans for development, although local political-types have said that stretch of the city is ripe for redevelopment.
Update 3/10/11 9:45PM:
Code enforcement officer Andre Smith tells BizSense the notice was served because of unlawful activity taking place at the facility, including partying, skateboarding and graffitti.
“Several doors and windows were open, we just ask the owners to board up and securitize the building,” Smith said.
(Photo by Brad McGetrick)
A BizSense reader spotted Richmond Police plastering a blaze-orange condemnation notice on the former Interbake factory near Broad and Boulevard.
The site is owned by D.C.-developer Douglas Jemal and is appraised by the city at more than $5.4 million.
BizSense is looking into the violations so check back for more later.
BizSense does not know of any concrete plans for development, although local political-types have said that stretch of the city is ripe for redevelopment.
Update 3/10/11 9:45PM:
Code enforcement officer Andre Smith tells BizSense the notice was served because of unlawful activity taking place at the facility, including partying, skateboarding and graffitti.
“Several doors and windows were open, we just ask the owners to board up and securitize the building,” Smith said.
(Photo by Brad McGetrick)
My God, FFV?
Having been in it, this is not surprising. Asset 2.0 did a great article on the steps that need to be taken to keep a building like this from becoming a negative. After metal thieves gutted the property, the Latin Kings (see South Windows) moved into the building, the asbestos, what is a building like this really worth?
They have 80,000 sq feet of perfectly good warehouse adjacent to the actual baking facility (the tall building) but will not lease it to anyone.
Must be nice to own something like this and let it rot.
Good example of the broken windows syndrome: when it is evident that a building has been abandoned, gangs and vandals move in and further ruin the building. The condemnation gives police more power to arrest trespassers. The area is ripe for redevelopment.
I learned a new word today….. “securitize”
Lord help us!
“Securitize” is a word, but its not appropriate in the context in which it was employed by Mr. Smith. Simply, “secure” would have been more appropriate. I think he was just trying to sound smarter and you know…appear more vocabularized. =)
Mr. Jemal has many properties in Richmond and elsewhere. It is unfortunate that recent economic conditions have stalled development of this architecturally interesting project. The Interbake building will be an exciting addition to the Boulevard neighborhood – someday.
As for the wordsmithing from Parker and Jay, lighten up! Mr. Smith is doing the best he can within the limitations of City ordinances to protect the property and prevent further vandalism. His job is not one which receives many thank you notes from City residents. He’s doing his job.