City Closes Portions of State Street and Church Street Around 1850 Daily Times Building in Abundance of Caution

Out of an abundance of caution, the City is closing the sidewalks and travel lanes abutting the property of 278 State Street. Crews from the Department of Public Works have placed barriers around the building. This closure includes a portion of State Street near Pleasant Street, and Church Street.  

This is in response to a report received from Emanuel Engineering regarding the structure at 278 State Street. The engineer was engaged by the property owner, Peter Floros, following a communication from the City’s Chief Building Inspector, which required a report from a licensed New Hampshire structural engineer. The Chief Building Inspector sought a report detailing how the building will be made safe or certifying that the building is safe. The report was due by July 19, and was received over the weekend. The engineer states in their report, “that there is no temporary fix to guarantee public safety.” 

The report concludes that, “the structure is unsafe, has the potential of a progressive collapse, and needs to be demolished immediately.” The sidewalk and lane closures are expected to remain in place until the City has a further opportunity to evaluate the condition of the structure and to determine the next best steps.  

The structure was damaged in a fire in 2017 and has since been vacant.