The partial building collapse at 706 W. Second St., (City of Hastings, Courtesy)
HASTINGS — The City of Hastings was notified at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18 of the partial collapse of the building at 706 W. Second St.
The collapse occurred near the northeast corner of the building, along Hastings Avenue.
The west lane of Hastings Avenue and north lane of Second Street, as well as sidewalks, are blocked off around the building for public safety.
The adjacent building at 710 W. Second St., was evacuated as a proactive safety precaution.
The lane closures and evacuation will remain in effect until further notice.
The building is next to 700 W. Second St., the site of the former Bert’s Pharmacy building, which was destroyed by fire on March 13, 2022.
The area at 700 W. Second St., had been fenced off since the fire. That fence minimized the amount of debris that fell from the site onto Hastings Avenue.
The Hastings City Council approved on Sept. 9 a plan modification for a redevelopment project involving the properties at 708 and 700 W. Second St. A structural engineer working on the redevelopment project will assess the building at 708 W. Second St., and work together with the City of Hastings to determine the future of the site.
The City of Hastings Engineering Department, Development Services Department, Hastings Fire & Rescue, Hastings Police Department and Street Department responded to the incident.
