More building problems in downtown Du Quoin

The City of Du Quoin has called on masonry contractor Wade Crews to install a new keystone above the second story window of what most still know as the Hobby House building at the corner of East Main and South Division Street in Du Quoin. For years the building was owned by the Neville family of Du Quoin, but according to Mayor Rex Duncan it is thought to now be owned by a Michigan investor who is hard to contact. Duncan said not only is this window a clear and present danger, but the third floor window above it is starting to bow. As mayor, Duncan is empowered to make such a decision when the public's safety is involved.

Another danger can be found on the back of a building which faces the first block of North Division Street in Du Quoin. The brickwork is caving in. Although not in close proximity to persons using the alley between Division and Mulberry there is an imminent danger. The city has barricaded the back of the property leading up to the wall, but the alley itself remains open. "What is happening is we are putting out fires while trying to build a fire department," Mayor Duncan said Sunday. By that, he means that the city has been addressing structural issues as they come up, while a newly formed building committee tries to draft a systemic plan for the entire problem. Mayor Duncan calls it a program of "carrots and sticks," meaning incentives and penalties.