Jean Burns building on track to be torn down in weeks
NANAIMO — The Jean Burns building in downtown Nanaimo could be dismantled by Christmas, according to a representative from the company that owns the burned-out building.
Rick Hyne of Crankshaw Holdings says they are moving forward to knock most of the building down without their insurance company.
“Now it becomes a liability for not only us but for the city due to the potential snow loads and ice with a building that has no roof. We need to now look at it from that perspective and have decided that the building will be demolished,” said Hyne.
He says they are in the process of getting quotes from demolition contractors. The future of the high-profile building at the intersection of Terminal Avenue and Commercial Street became more clear after an abatement contractor and environmental consultant visited the site in October. However, at that time it wasn’t clear when the wrecking ball would be brought in. Hyne says they are keeping their insurance company and public adjuster informed and are proceeding with the process to tear the Jean Burns building down.