BEAUMONT, Texas — Parts of downtown Beaumont remain closed off after the historic Gilbert Building went up in flames last Thursday, and now it's impacting businesses.
"It has absolutely had an impact on business," said Megan Cobb, owner of Taluka Trades.
Cobb opened Taluka Trades in March and she says that even before the fire, the Gilbert Building wasn't an appealing view for customers.
"It's kind of hard to do our marketing and videos and things like that when we've had orange barricades here for the entire time my store has been opened," said Cobb.
Next door, stylists at The Loft hair salon feel the same way.
"We have a lot of people that come here from Lake Charles and Houston who always ask us questions about the building across the street. We are constantly having to tell them that nothing has been done or taken care of," said Alyssa Savell.
Savell says they've been forced to stare at the dilapidated building since they opened they opened 10 years ago.
"Now we have a huge eye sore. Now we have a blocked off street. It's also affecting our clients being able to get to downtown. Usually they park on the street. They've had to go a long way around, or they've had to find other ways to get here," Savell said.
The day after the fire, Mayor Roy West told 12News the Gilbert Building was one of 20 buildings cited in April as "unsafe".
"They were working with the property owner for a work program. What happens then is if they don't complete it then the city steps in and boards up the building," said Mayor West.
According to a report released by Assistant City Manager Chris Boone in March, The Gilbert Building was one of two downtown properties listed as an "immanent danger".
It's unclear what that designation means, or if it comes with consequences.
Cobb says although her business is back up and running, she's worried her and other Pearl Street businesses aren't yet in the clear.
"It seems like collapse is a possibility based on what I've heard and been told it's kind of a daily concern," said Cobb.
12News reached out to Director of Community Planning Demi Engman about building code enforcements and the consequences for not adhering to city codes.
The city says that they will make a statement soon.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.