Board approves emergency demolition of fire-damaged structure at 126 Randolph Street

The Richmond City Board of Public Works and Safety approved an emergency demolition contract on July 3 for a structure at 126 Randolph Street after the building suffered a severe fire and was judged in danger of collapse.

Bill Henry, code enforcement officer, presented the item and said the structure required demolition for safety. The board solicited bids and received $12,350 from Mikesell Excavating Inc., $12,900 from B and B Construction of Richmond Inc., and $23,255 from Cox Excavating Plus Inc. Henry asked the board to approve contract number 1112025 with Mikesell Excavating for a sum not to exceed $12,350; the motion carried by voice vote.

Board members asked for an update on related unsafe-building properties on North Twelfth Street; Henry said initial estimates had been higher but could be cut later in the year to match the budget, and he described options to proceed under the unsafe-building process. The demolition contract will proceed as an emergency abatement and the city will coordinate next steps with code enforcement.