Businesses at the Medical Arts shopping center recently reopened after support poles were installed out front to shore up facade sections of the building.
The additional support was recommended after the overhang above the entrance to the CVS pharmacy collapsed on June 28.
A report by Saussy Engineering found that the 2.5-inch nails used to connect to a two-by-four at the edge of the roof had provided an inadequate support for the facade and had withdrawn before the collapse.
The shopping center had many additions since it was originally constructed about 60 years ago. A section running from the north end of The Savannah Bank to the south end of Jersey’s Pizza was constructed similar to the CVS store, and temporary supports have since been installed to prevent another collapse.
The sidewalk along the south end of the building has also been closed off at the recommendation of the engineer, who found a roof leak had compromised the section’s structural integrity.
J. Curtis Lewis III, president of Lewis Broadcasting Corp., said his company has not done any construction on the building that could have caused the collapse since it purchased it about 15 years ago. The insurance company was investigating the incident to find out who or what may be at fault, Lewis said.
“We’re still trying to figure out the details,” he said.
In 2007, CVS contracted for an exterior renovation of the storefront, according to spokesman Mike DeAngelis. DeAngelis said the contractor hired for the job is not involved in any of the company’s new-store construction, including a store being built at Abercorn Street and DeRenne Avenue.
Angie Vlahos was treated and released at Memorial University Medical Center after suffering injuries to her hand and head from the falling facade, according to a Savannah-Chatham County police report. Four vehicles parked in front of the building also suffered extensive damage.