DAYTON, Ohio — Dayton officials said it was necessary to declare an emergency to address structural concerns at a vacant downtown building.

The building, 34 N. Main Street, was damaged during the high winds that swept across Ohio this past weekend. Officials said the parapet wall is at risk of further collapse, posing a hazard to both the nearby properties and the public. 

Structural engineers, in consultation with a commercial roofing specialist, inspected the remaining parapets and walls on Tuesday morning.

Following the inspection, it was determined that removal and stabilization work would be necessary on the building, starting Wednesday, March 19. The work will continue for the rest of the week. To accommodate equipment, the parking lot at E. 3rd Street and N. Jefferson Street will be closed.

Built in 1926, the 14-story tower became the city's in 2016 through receivership.

"The City took ownership to prevent negligent owners from acquiring the building and to ensure its future use benefited the community," said a news release from the city. "To support redevelopment efforts, the City later transferred the property to the Montgomery County Landbank."