LLOYD BUILDING COMING DOWN BRICK BY BRICK
Over 100 years since it was built, the Lloyd Building in downtown Eureka is coming down in the largest demolition project the city has ever undertaken.
The building, which was constructed in 1915 by the Fraternal Order of Eagles, suffered accumulated wear and tear over its time in Eureka, but the Dec. 20 6.4 magnitude earthquake was the final push that made the city declare it a health hazard. Demolition is expected to last several weeks with no concrete deadline, but workers have begun removing bricks from the top of the building.
“It sustained substantial damage, that was in addition to damage that was already present from previous earthquakes, and from ongoing deterioration of the structure. It was to the point where it couldn't be made safe without a lengthy construction process that would cost a lot more than the demolition would,” Eureka Director of Public Works Brian Gerving said. “Because the property owner didn't demonstrate the ability to undertake those repairs, the city decided that it was necessary to instead demolish the structure.”
The current property owner is Betty Squires, one part of a local real estate business with her late husband Floyd Squires that was repeatedly sued by the city of Eureka over alleged unsafe conditions at their properties. Squires used to operate their business out of the Lloyd Building, which was named after actor Lloyd Bridges roughly halfway through the 20th century.
The demolition is estimated to cost $1 million, but many factors such as potential delays could result in a different number by the time the building is gone. Gerving said the city will either recoup the emergency cost of demolition from the state — as the earthquake damaged it enough to warrant destruction — or from Squires.
“We will seek to recover those costs somehow,” Gerving said.
Crews will take the building apart by hand until it's at a height where crews can safely demolish the rest with heavy equipment. The sidewalk, parking lane and a single lane of traffic are closed on the left side of Fifth Street because of the project, and Gerving said he expects that to be the limit of closures resulting from the demolition.
While most of the site will not be preserved, Eureka Public Works has received reports that when the building was constructed 108 years ago, the Fraternal Order of Eagles placed a time capsule in the building.
“The crew that's doing the demolition is keeping their eyes out for that (time capsule). Certainly, if that's found, then it will be retained and whatever contents that are in it that are still in good condition will be retained and probably handed off to someone for historical purposes,” Gerving said.
While most of the site will not be preserved, Eureka Public Works has received reports that when the building was constructed 108 years ago, the Fraternal Order of Eagles placed a time capsule in the building.