Based on a new report from structural engineer Craig Bennett (
attached), the city of Charleston has ordered Read Brothers on King Street closed until the associated buildings have been fully stabilized.
In his report, Mr. Bennett states that portions of the Read Brothers buildings located at 593, 591 and 589 ½ King Street pose a “significant threat to life safety.”
The city has been monitoring the properties since April 12, 2017, due to concerns about portions of the building's brickwork. At that time, the city retained the services of Mr. Bennett, who assessed the properties and provided an initial report on April 17 (
attached). Since then, the city has been attempting to work with the buildings’ owner to begin moving forward with repairs.
"As always, public safety is job one for the city in these situations,” said city of Charleston spokesman Jack O’Toole. “We are grateful to Mr. Bennett for his expert and timely recommendations, and look forward to seeing them implemented without delay."