Houston Building Demolition Permit Filed After Multiple Fires Near Westheimer

Nuisance Building Concerns

• ⚠️ A vacant building in Houston, located on Westheimer and Voss, has been a longtime nuisance due to multiple fires.
• 🚒 Fire crews have responded to at least four fires at the building and nearby in the past two years.
• 🏠 Business owners, like Lou Joubrani of Stockyard Barbecue next door, express urgent safety concerns.

Demolition Permit Filed

• 📜 The property owner has filed a demolition permit for the vacant building.
• ⏳ The demolition permit was filed three weeks ago, but it remains a waiting game for neighboring businesses.
• 🏢 A recent inspection determined the building does not meet criteria for emergency demolition.

City and Owner Actions

• 🗣️ City council member Mary Nan Huffman is working with property owners to secure problematic buildings and exploring new ordinances.
• 📞 KHOU 11 News attempted to contact the property owner, but calls were not returned.
• 🔌 The city spokesperson confirmed the owner is attempting to disconnect gas and water services to the building.
• 💰 The demolition is expected to be completed at the owner's expense.
• ⚖️ The building will undergo a legal review and be discussed at a future hearing if the owner does not demolish it first.