Richland County to demolish buildings next to popular Railroad BBQ restaurant
Richland County is set to demolish several buildings on Hampton Street, directly across from the government’s main administrative building and right next door to the popular Railroad BBQ restaurant.
Asbestos has been found in the buildings at 2005, 2009 and 2011 Hampton Street, which occupy a busy stretch at the intersection of Hampton and Gervais streets.
Richland County Council has approved a nearly $300,000 contract with Thompson Building Wrecking Co to remove the asbestos and then demolish the three properties.
The demolition is needed to eliminate hazardous conditions, reduce long-term maintenance and emergency repair costs, and prepare the site for future use, either by the county or for redevelopment, according to county documents.
Richland County has not responded to a request from The State for more information on the demolition plans and if the work is expected to impact traffic on Hampton Street, which is often busy with restaurant patrons and people accessing the main administrative building to pay taxes and handle other business.
The county had considered possibly rehabilitating and reusing the buildings, but the asbestos and the poor and deteriorating conditions led officials to decide the properties should be demolished, according to county documents.
The entire job is expected to take 90 days, according to those documents, though it’s not immediately clear when demolition will begin.
