A long standing, iconic building on 11th Avenue in downtown Altoona has been vacated and condemned. In a statement released by the city clerk’s office, the Gables building has been condemned when a sprinkler head failed on the 11th Avenue side of the structure which resulted in a significant water leak. As a result of the leak, other issues occurred. Upon inspection by the City of Altoona Fire Inspector and the City of Altoona Building Inspector, numerous life safety issues involving the sprinkler system, electrical system and structural components were identified. As a result of the inspection, the building was ordered vacated and condemned for the safety of the occupants and the public. The building houses six commercial tenants. City officials are gathering information on what repairs are needed before the tenants can return.
