https://archive.triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/building-facade-collapses-onto-sidewalk-in-pittsburghs-lawrenceville-neighborhood/
Building facade collapses onto sidewalk in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood
Submitted
Three views of a vacant building Tuesday on Butler Street in Lawrenceville where water infiltration caused the facade to collapse.
Water damage is suspected as the cause of a partial collapse Tuesday of a building facade along Butler Street in Lawrenceville, a Pittsburgh official said.
Maura Kennedy, who heads Pittsburgh's Department of Permits Licenses and Inspections, said no one was injured when bricks fell outside the vacant building at 5404-5406 Butler St.
She said water infiltration around a second story window is the suspected cause.
Kennedy said inspectors determined the building is safe and the owner, John Hauser of Mt. Lebanon, is responsible for repairs. The sidewalk in front of the building remains closed.
Hauser could not be reached for comment.
John Shortino, owner of Nine Stories bookstore next door, said a crew appeared to be working on repairs Tuesday afternoon. He said he arrived minutes after the mishap. It did not impact the operations of his store or neighboring Cafe D'Amore.
“A part of the second story wall of that building just fell out onto the sidewalk and street,” Shortino said.
Bob Bauder is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-765-2312, bbauder@tribweb.com or @bobbauder.
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