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The public works garage in Calumet is still structurally sound following damage received last week when the vacant former church building next door collapsed.
Originally St. John the Baptist Croatian Church, the church was closed in the 1960’s when several local Catholic churches were consolidated, and then changed hands several times over the decades. The building was privately owned when it was partially destroyed by a fire last summer and slated for demolition, according to Calumet Village President Dave Geisler.
The building collapsed under the weight of the snow, damaging the village’s public works building next door. Geisler said there was damage to the metal siding and to the insulation of the building. “On Friday, we had a structural engineer, though, come up to take a look at the building to make sure that it remains structurally sound. I know he was on top of the roof, amongst other places, and he concluded there was no structural damage to the building, ” he said.
Geisler said temporary repairs were made to the building so they can store their equipment inside. The village has been in contact with their insurance company and further repairs will likely be made in the spring.
