In its regular meeting on November 13, the Paris City Council accepted a bid from Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition for the demolition of the Belford Building at the intersection of South Main and West Austin Streets.
City Attorney Stephanie Harris stated, “The demolition will complete a lengthy legal process to remove this dangerous structure. After they clear the property, I anticipate the City Council will authorize a Sheriff’s sale based on the City’s judgment lien against the current owner to facilitate the City’s obtaining ownership of the parcel.”
The final asbestos remediation is in progress, and the equipment staging phase has commenced along the ten-block stretch of West Austin Street. Commencing at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5, the ten-block section of West Austin Street and the westernmost lane of South Main Street adjacent to the Belford Building will be closed. This closure will persist for the project's duration.
During the demolition phase, West Austin Street traffic will be detoured to West Kaufman or West Sherman Streets. All lanes of the 200 and 300 blocks of South Main Street will be closed beginning Wednesday morning, December 6. Northbound truck traffic on South Church Street at East Hearne Avenue will continue north on South Church Street to East Kaufman Street. Other South Main Street traffic will detour onto East Sherman Street, then north on South Church Street to East Kaufman Street. Pedestrian traffic on South Main Street will utilize the sidewalk adjacent to the Gibraltar Hotel. The demolition phase is expected to conclude on Thursday, December 7.
Due to street closures on December 6 and 7, the Paris Public Library will only be accessible from First Street SW. Library patrons are advised to follow www.facebook.com/ParisTXPublicLibrary for updates. Following the demolition, Nabors will initiate the removal of debris and complete the remaining components of the contract, requiring the continued closure of West Austin Street and the westernmost lane of the 200 block of South Main Street.
The demolition timeline is subject to change, and traffic control measures, electronic message centers, and other signage will be in place during the project. The public is urged to exercise caution when in the area.
