The Negaunee City Police have blocked off the front and back of the Kirkwood building, located at 324 Iron Street, after the roof collapsed Thursday evening.

NEGAUNEE — A historic building in downtown Negaunee is surrounded by barricades after a portion of the roof gave way on Thursday.

City officials are “taking emergency measures and looking at all options” after receiving reports of the collapse at the three-story Kirkwood Block building along Iron Street, according to Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron.

Barricades have been erected around the perimeter of the building on both Iron and Jackson streets, Heffron said.

The city published a warning about the situation on its Facebook page Friday.

“Please be mindful of the potential danger that a building of this size presents,” the post states. “At this time, it is unknown if or when further collapses may occur. Therefore, please stay as far away from the building as possible at this time.”

Heffron said in a phone interview Saturday that the city is looking into all options to ensure that the structure and the area surrounding it are “made safe” as quickly as possible.

“We are aware that this is a historic structure, and that the building owner and others would like to see it preserved,” Heffron said. “But we are looking toward condemning the property because it is a safety issue. From a government standpoint, public safety and the preservation of life has to be the first priority.”

The structure, which is at least 100 years old and is owned by a private individual, was selected in the city’s recently published economic development strategy as a site targeted for redevelopment.

The “historically significant” building was described in the 2018 report as being in a “state of disrepair” that would “require investment and incentives to stabilize and redevelop (it) as mixed-use.”

Heffron said the city’s recent effort to get the downtown district on the National Register of Historic Places would have allowed potential developers access to historic investment tax credits, but that may not be an option after Thursday’s collapse.

“Due to recent circumstances, getting someone to develop the property will be very difficult,” Heffron said. “But the current property owner is aware of what is going on.”

Heffron said the city’s newly adopted property maintenance code would be used to address the issue.

“We are on a countdown now to remedy the situation,” Heffron said.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.