The historic Bliss Building that housed Lindy’s Diner in downtown Albuquerque will be torn down as soon as this week after it partly collapsed in late April.
KOB-TV reports that Guzman Construction Solutions received a demolition permit on Friday for the building at 500 Central Ave.
“The Bliss Building has been part of Albuquerque’s story for generations, and we know many are sad to see this outcome,” said Mayor Tim Keller.
“Our priority is protecting public safety and moving quickly to address the risks posed by this structure while supporting the downtown businesses, residents and visitors,” said Keller. […]
“On Monday we will begin coordinating with the contractor on an expedited schedule so that this unfortunate matter can be taken care of as soon as possible,” said Planning Department Director Alan Varela.
Roads will remain closed at Fifth Street and Central Avenue (aka Route 66) because the building remains unstable.
About a week before the collapse, the city ordered Lindy’s Diner closed after an inspection found serious structural issues due to neglect and lack of maintenance.
The closure order came a few weeks after the owners, Steve and Dawn Vatoseow, announced they were putting the Bliss Building on the market for $1.27 million.
Lindy’s originally opened as the Coney Island Cafe in 1929. It became Lindy’s Diner in 1960.
(Screen-capture image from video shortly after a wall collapsed at Lindy’s Diner in Albuquerque)