BEAUMONT, Texas — Two months after the Gilbert Building fire, the streets around the building in downtown Beaumont remain barricaded, creating a hassle for drivers and business owners.
Many are wondering why the fences and barriers are still blocking off the area.
City leaders tell 12News that the building is still considered a public danger and there's a worry that what's left of it could collapse.
There about four businesses across the street from the Gilbert Building. One worker tells 12News that it's not just an eyesore, but it is also affecting the business because of the closures of Pearl and Bowie Street.
"We'll see the men like the blue-collars walking to Chuck's but otherwise it has been a little slower," said Charity Nguyen. She works full time at Taluka Trades, which is right across from the Gilbert Building.
With the two major roads blocked off, businesses are left frustrated.
"Since we're a new shop they don't really know about us and exploring downtown and using Pearl Street is a really big deal," Nguyen said.
She says everything has been an adjustment, from the parking to re-routing customers.
"We're all having to park in the Crockett Street parking next to Riverside Grille. Or they're even having to park around the block and walk this entire way," said Nguyen.
Beaumont Mayor Roy West tells 12News that days after the fire, the city was advised by an engineer to close Bowie and Pearl Street.
"There is no doubt it impacts the businesses. My heart goes out to them. When we're told that it can be potentially unsafe to have the roads open because of the walls, until we get more information that is what we're going to follow," West said.
West says the city gave the building's owner, Tom Flanagan 60 days to present an engineering report.
"On August 20 which is our next council meeting and at that point we will be getting additional information, which will include his engineering report so that more decisions can be made," he said.
Nguyen hopes the historic building can be saved.
"Anything is better than we're looking at now. The building that we're in is over 100 years old and we've made it our own," she said.
Flanagan tells 12News he's working with engineers and has plans to demolish damaged parts of the building.