Workers are carefully tearing down the remains of the old Masonic Lodge building in Aberdeen, Ohio.
Rachel Adkins/The Ledger Independent
ABERDEEN, Ohio — The former Masonic Lodge in Aberdeen, Ohio collapsed early on Monday morning and workers have started removing the remaining pieces.
According to Police Chief David Benjamin, reports of the building’s collapse began flowing in around 3 a.m. on Monday. He said the reports had stated pieces of the former lodge had spread across U.S. 52.
Benjamin noted the danger of building pieces being left on the road.
Before its collapse, the building was condemned roughly a year ago, Benjamin said. He said the building has been standing since the 1800s and its condition has increasingly gotten worse since its use.
Benjamin noted that the roof of the building was partially destroyed about two years ago after a tornado went through the village.
After its condemnation, the building’s current owner tried to “keep the building up,” according to Benjamin. He said the collapse was unexpected and likely due to the building’s age.
Currently, there are no plans set it motion for what may be placed where the building currently sits, Benjamin said. He noted the ownership of the building does not fall under the Village of Aberdeen, so they do not have a say in what is done with the property once the structure is removed.
Benjamin said the property may be turned over to the village in the future, but there is no way for him to know those details for certain at this time.
