GILBERT, AZ — Gilbert Fire and Rescue ordered a full evacuation of a commercial building near Gilbert and Guadalupe roads after determining the property posed an immediate safety risk, leaving business owners searching for answers and new locations.
Gilbert officials say the building will remain closed until the property owner completes repairs and verifies the property meets safety standards. The town says its economic development team is available to help business owners navigate their immediate needs.
The property owner said the situation will be resolved very soon.
For the businesses forced out, the uncertainty is immediate.
"We've had to cancel clients for the week, and I'm hoping the landlord does the right thing and gets things repaired," Jodi Hall, Salon Styles owner, said.
Hall says the closure impacts not only her business, but the stylists who depend on it for income.
"It's been a little overwhelming, and you know, I'm not sure what we're going to do. We're going to have to find a new space, and we're having to do that now," Hall said.
Lindsey Schoenfelder, a Gilbert health insurance broker, also had her office in the building.
"Just frustration, disappointment. I spent a lot of money getting this office up and ready to be able to see my clients and all of my time and effort, and just the finances are gone now," Schoenfelder said.
Tenants are now trying to find new locations and determine how they'll continue serving customers.
"We'll get through. We're a good team, and we'll get through," Hall said.
Hall says the closure impacts not only her business, but the stylists who depend on it for income. Hall says she is set to open her salon at her location on Tuesday.
"This is my livelihood, you know. Currently my business is shut down, but I'm still a hairstylist, so I can still work,” Hall added.
The town says its economic development team is available to help business owners navigate their immediate needs. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is stepping up as well.
"We had an email that went out to our 600 members asking for opportunities to wrap themselves around these businesses and make sure that they were supported. Businesses responded right away with opportunities to provide. Storage to provide office space, temporary work for displaced employees, legal consultations, insurance reviews,” Sarah Watts, President and CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.
The property owner told ABC15 Monday they are negotiating with town officials and moving towards an agreement.
For more information on how to contact the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, click here.
Chief Duggan with the Gilbert Fire Department provided the following update on Thursday:
Tenants,
We would like to provide an update on the steps the Town has taken and the work currently underway at 1111 N. Gilbert Road.
The Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department and Town staff have been working closely with the property owner and the tenant representative to ensure Starling Engineering has safe and coordinated access to assess the building’s condition. Following that inspection, the Town received an emergency shoring letter from Starling Engineering confirming that multiple structural elements present a life/safety hazard and require immediate shoring and stabilization. This validated the decision to condemn the building and evacuate tenants as the appropriate measure to protect everyone’s safety.
As of this morning, the gates have been opened for the shoring contractor to begin work. These safety measures must be completed before tenants can return to the building. At this time, we do not yet have a confirmed timeline for when the work will be completed or when re‑entry will be permitted, but we will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.We have included a flyer outlining available Town resources, along with a link to our business resources landing page to support you as you consider next steps, Del Prado Plaza Resources [gilbertaz.com]. Tenants are encouraged to contact the OED office to schedule individual appointments regarding relocation or temporary space. We understand the significant stress and disruption this situation has caused and sincerely appreciate your patience as we work to ensure the building is safe for occupancy.
Thank you,Fire Chief Rob Duggan
Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department
