'Imminent Collapse' of Buildings on Main Street Restricts Ellicott City Access: Howard County

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — At risk of collapse, two flood-damaged buildings on Main Street must be demolished, Howard County officials reported Wednesday.

Located at 8109, 8113, 8101 and 8107 Main Street in Ellicott City, the addresses belong to two buildings—a three-story structure attached to a two-story building with businesses on the first floors and residences above.

"There are safety concerns with the buildings falling down...without too much more warning," Howard County Director of Inspections, Licenses and Permits Bob Frances said.

Residents displaced since Saturday night's flood were assembling to tour the outside of their properties at the time of the announcement about the potential collapse.

"That [tour] was just getting ready to begin when we got word of an impending collapse of two buildings down in Ellicott City," said County Executive Allan Kittleman, who learned of the danger at 12:30 p.m.

The tours for residents were to begin at 1:30 p.m.

"I know that has caused a lot of frustration for people, and I certainly understand that," Kittleman said of the fact that Main Street has been closed since Sunday. "However, public safety is more important."

Approximately 6.5 inches of rain fell Saturday night, flooding businesses and vehicles. Two people died after their vehicles were swept away by the floodwaters.

Since then, public works officials have evaluated more than 130 buildings, deeming eight unsafe due to structural damage or things like no sidewalks, Frances said.

The two buildings of concern Wednesday may not be the last buildings to be slated for demolition, according to Frances, who described the situation downtown as "ongoing" and "dynamic."

He noted that Caplan's Department Store was severely damaged.

"The last thing you want is a bunch of homeowners and property owners and business owners walking by a building when it falls on someone," Frances said.

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• How to Help Ellicott City Flood Victims

The head of Howard County's Department of Fire and Rescue Services echoed the need to protect the public, including first responders.

"There's no one that wants yet one more injury or worse, a death," Fire Chief John Butler said.

He raised concerns about putting first responders in harm's way around the volatile buildings, with dust in the atmosphere, debris and the possibility of creating further flooding should the buildings collapse.

"These buildings do concern me," Butler said. "They concern me a whole lot."

Statement from Howard County on Wednesday, Aug. 3:

"County structural engineers have determined that there may be an imminent collapse of two buildings in the flood-damaged Main Street Ellicott City area. Due to these evolving safety concerns, the county will have to suspend any visits by residents and business owners effective immediately.

"Once we have these safety concerns resolved, we will reschedule those visits."

• Maryland Governor Declares Howard County in State of Emergency
• Ellicott City Flood Damage by the Numbers
• Police Identify 2 People Killed in Ellicott City Flood

Two hours before the county executive was alerted to the possibility of collapse, media members were on a tour of downtown Ellicott City. Pictured are the buildings in question. On the right is 8113 Main Street, containing Joan Eve Classics and Collectibles. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.