Ortliebs Building, American and Poplar

[NLPetLover]

While Tower is usually pretty good about removing the graffiti off of this building, it has gotten really bad lately.

They also sealed the building and the broken fences, only for everything to be ripped open a day or two later. I see people going in and out of these fences on a daily basis.

In a situation like this, its not like Tower isn't doing anything to fix the problem (they seem to take care of it relatively quickly). It just keeps happening. Its just that people keep going in this building, and its huge. I'm just worried this will become the next big warehouse fire-- right in the center of our neighborhood. I'm wondering if there is anything that can be done- maybe increased police presence on this block at night?

[K9Interests]

If fire is your concern, then maybe stop by the Firehouse at 4th and Girard. Now the weather is warmer, a lot of the guys hang outside between calls and may steer you to the right people to talk to. Actually, I believe the FF Union Hall is on Willow and 5th, which may be a good place to start...or Neighbouhood Watch...or L&I...

Figured I could toss my two pennies in, just in case they help.

[boldikus]

was walking home late last night down poplar and heard a noise from above and notice two creepy looking fellas looking down from up above in the abandoned ortliebs building. its always amazed me - and still does - that someone hasnt just jumped in to turn that into a great big parking garage in the middle of the neighborhood. a paid garage obviously, but they'd make a killing.

[carpetbagger]

a parking garage in the middle of the neighborhood.... are you serious? put that crap near front and girard... where one of Tower's other properties burned down.

the smaller, older portion on american that says "henry ortliebs" & "brew house," with proper renovation, could make for some cool condos! the larger portion on the corner is scary... tower should cinder block up all openings instead of constantly having to re-plywood over the openings. we shouldn't allow tower to willfully neglect these buildings because they want to be able to tear them down and build garbage. Keep calling L&I and putting pressure on them.

[boldikus]

ABSOLUTELY in the middle of the neighborhood. why would anyone put a parking garage 3/4 blocks from all the businesses it would serve. it would be perfect right off 2nd street.

would you prefer whats there now? i sure wouldn't.

its a genius investment, right in the middle of everything. and parking wouldn't be such a bitch all the time.

but, yeah [sarcasm] we definitely need more condos in the neighborhood appropriated from old crumbling warehouses.[/sarcasm]

[Alvin12]

I'd have to agree....I don't see what the problem would be if that building got turned into a parking garage. But, I just don't see how it would help the parking situation. I don't think people would want to pay for a lot when they can park on the street for free. One thing I do know...the neighborhood doesn't need anymore more condos. It would have been nice to keep the stable area some green space rather than stuff more over priced, poorly made condos (that aren't needed) in there. We just don't need more.
Oh well.

[carpetbagger]

I'd have to agree....I don't see what the problem would be if that building got turned into a parking garage. But, I just don't see how it would help the parking situation. I don't think people would want to pay for a lot when they can park on the street for free. One thing I do know...the neighborhood doesn't need anymore more condos. It would have been nice to keep the stable area some green space rather than stuff more over priced, poorly made condos (that aren't needed) in there. We just don't need more.
Oh well.

i'm curious why you think LEED/passive house certified, modular homes would be poorly made? stables isn't a tower development.

we don't need people driving like idiots through the middle of our 'hood more than they already do, which is why i think a car park (ideally, with 1 or 2 small commercial spaces at ground level!) should go near the el, or some other girard/spring garden location that would serve more purpose for commuters. plopping something like that in the heart of the neighborhood takes away from the community, and makes the place even more transient/destination oriented. we should be encouraging residents to not have cars, anyways.

[K9Interests]

If fire is your concern, then maybe stop by the Firehouse at 4th and Girard. Now the weather is warmer, a lot of the guys hang outside between calls and may steer you to the right people to talk to. Actually, I believe the FF Union Hall is on Willow and 5th, which may be a good place to start...or Neighbouhood Watch...or L&I...

Figured I could toss my two pennies in, just in case they help.

Turns out that the Captain of the Firehouse says that L&I are the people to contact in the OP's concerns. I'm guessing that holds true of the others expressed.