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Grand Avenue Mall awaits panel’s decision

JOHN GARDNERGlenwood Springs, CO Colorado

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. Owners hope a recent damage assessment and appraisal of the Grand Avenue Mall will allow them to begin the rebuilding process after more than 16 months of waiting.”The appraisal process alone has been ongoing for the last five months,” said building manager Gus Lundin.After a three-person appraisal panel, consisting of an independent appraiser representing Lundin and the Grand Avenue Mall, an appraiser representing the insurance company and an independent third appraiser come to a conclusion, Lundin will be able to take the next step in the rebuilding process – he hopes.”The insurance claim went to appraisal, the panel is deliberating and should have something to tell us in the next couple of weeks,” Lundin said on Tuesday.On Monday, July 6, Lundin accompanied the team of appraisers in a site visit of the property at 812 Grand Avenue to asses the extent of the damage caused by a fire on March 19, 2006. The fire apparently was caused by a short in a copy machine in one of the downstairs businesses.Since then the doors have remained closed, the windows still blackened by smoke and the signs of businesses that once thrived in the downtown building remain out front for all to see.A discrepancy in the “cost to rebuild,” according to Lundin, has caused a holdup on the insurance claim. But he remains optimistic it will be worked out in the next couple of weeks.”The panel (appraisers) is reviewing the loss in its entirety,” Lundin said. “We may have more news soon. That’s what they told us and we are anxiously awaiting.”In Lundin’s opinion, he doesn’t believe the structural integrity of the building was compromised, and all that is needed is “restoration work” in order for the building to once again open its doors.Most of the businesses that were located in the building have since re-located or have closed all together, Lundin said. He indicated that he’s been in contact with most of the business owners throughout the ordeal, but it hasn’t been an easy process.Contact John Gardner: 384-9114; jgardner@postindependent.comPost Independent, Glenwood Springs, Colorado CO


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