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Tampa Orders Owner To Stabilize Crumbling Gary Adult School

Tribune photo by JAY NOLAN

City officials estimate as much as 40 percent of the west side of the 95-year-old school, 3610 E. 10th Ave., collapsed Tuesday.

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By KATHY STEELE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 24, 2008

TAMPA - The city issued an emergency order today directing the owner of the landmark Gary Adult School to clean up debris and stabilize the building immediately because of a "catastrophic structural failure."

A special code enforcement board hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday in the Tampa City Council chambers, 315 E. Kennedy Blvd.

The actions are in response to Tuesday's cave-in at the 95-year-old school, 3610 E. 10th Ave. City officials estimate as much as 40 percent of the structure's west side collapsed.

John Simon, who bought the property in 2007, plans to rezone the site and build a sports center for lease as a venue for elementary to college level programs. The center, if approved by the council, would have an Olympic-size swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts.

Since May, code enforcement officials have been asking that the building be secured and repairs made to the roof, brick façade, outside stairs, doors, windows and gutters. An inspection had been scheduled for Aug. 12, but city officials said the meeting Friday will speed resolution of the situation.

Officials hope to set a schedule for repairs and give Simon a chance to respond to code enforcement's allegations about the state of the building.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813)259-7652 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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