Roof collapse in downtown Wilmington sparks calls for inspection reform

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A business looking to rebuild after the ceiling of the building at 205 Princess St. in downtown Wilmington collapsed unexpectedly on Thursday. The collapse sparked calls for better inspection policies.

That building was built in 1905. Its sole tenant is the graphic design company Brand Engine. 

Company Owner Justin Mitchener said for years he’s contacted property management company Wilmington’s Best Rentals about water leaking and structural concerns. He said his complaints were met with little or no action at all. Mitchener feels that blame for the collapse should fall on the building’s owner and Wilmington’s Best Rentals. 

“It’s neglect from both sides and it’s a willful neglect, a convenient neglect from both sides to just keep pulling that check in and not writing any checks,” Mitchener said. 

The collapse comes after a separate facade collapse at a building on Grace St. in March.  

As it stands now, buildings in New Hanover County are only inspected by the county after they’re built or have renovations. Annual fire inspections don’t include checking the structure.  

Following Thursday’s collapse, County Commissioner Rob Zapple is calling for better inspections for historic buildings.  

“I don’t think that it’s out of step to call for some sort of annual inspection, especially for buildings that are beyond their useful lifespan, what we would call historic buildings,” Zapple said. 

Mitchener hopes to see more accountability for landlords.  

“I think the landowners should have the same responsibility, especially when they could be a danger to public safety,” Mitchener expressed. 

But more than protecting public safety, Zapple also points to the centuries of history that Wilmington’s buildings hold.  

“We should do everything we possibly can to preserve that, that part of our community,” Zapple noted. “I think it’s very important. It’s what makes Wilmington and New Hanover County New Hanover County and Wilmington.”  

As Mitchener and his team continue to work with insurance, he said Brand Engine will find another place to create.  

“I couldn’t go back,” Mitchener said. “It’s not safe there, it’ll never be safe, you know? Until you invest a million dollars, which I don’t think that owner is able to and willing to do, nor is insurance able to do that.”

WWAY reached out to Wilmington’s Best Rentals, but we have not heard back as of Tuesday evening.