Crews begin partial demolition of historic Magee House

The City of Ottawa's chief building official has issued an emergency order to demolish part of a 19th-centuryHintonburg building that partially collapsed earlier this week.

The southwest corner and a portion of the roof deemed the most unsafe parts of the remaining structure at 1119 Wellington St. W. are beingdemolished by Priestly Demolition Inc. in the interest of public safety, Frank Bidinhas ruled.

Crews began tearing down those sections of the building, known as Magee House,at around 7 p.m. Friday.

The demolition,recommended by the engineering firm John Cooke and Associates, will "allow for a more thorough assessment of the remaining building," the city said in a news release.

When it's done the city will determinewhether the affected portion of Wellington Street W.can re-open to traffic.The north sidewalk will remain closed for now.

Crews begin partial demolition of historic Magee House

6 years ago

Duration 1:17

The City of Ottawa issued an emergency order to demolish part of a 19th-century Hintonburg building that partially collapsed earlier this week.

Costs unknown

The cost of the demolition hasn't yet been determined, Bidin wrote in an emailed statement, but the city will seek to be reimbursed by the building's owner, architect OvidioSbrissa.

Demolition work on heritage buildings like Magee House typically requires a heritage permit and city council approval, but because the remaining building poses a "significant public hazard," permission wasn't required, the city said.

The west wall of the buildingcame down Tuesdayfor reasons so far unknown.

Sbrissahad been living in the house and was out getting pizza with a neighbour at the time of the collapse. He said that doing so probably saved his life.

An update on the building is expected at the built heritage sub-committee meeting Aug. 2.