Nelsonville receives final structural condition assessment for The Mine Tavern, on the Public Square, with conclusions and recommendations

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The Nelsonville Division of Fire has received the final structural condition assessment for The Mine Tavern, located at 14 Public Square. The structural condition assessment was conducted by Derwacter & Associates, LLC from Zanesville. The structural condition assessment has the following conclusions and recommendations,

Conclusions

Based on the observed conditions, it is the opinion of the undersigned structural engineer that the building represents an immediate and significant collapse hazard. The compromised north wall, unsupported floor and roof framing, and deteriorated east and west masonry walls create a high risk of progressive structural failure.

The structure is not safe for occupancy in any capacity. Continued access to the building presents an unacceptable risk to life safety.

Continued progressive failure could pose a risk to the adjacent buildings to the north and south, sidewalk, and street located to the west of the building.

Recommendations

The building should be immediately secured to prevent unauthorized entry.

Adjacent buildings, as well as the sidewalk and roadway along the west side of the structure, should be closed until the hazard is mitigated.

Immediate action should be taken to either shore and stabilize the structure or proceed with controlled demolition, with careful consideration given to the protection of adjacent structures.

The full assessment is attached and can also be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/3j3f4ksu.

The East side of the Public Square remains closed and barricaded to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic from the Dew House to the end of Rhapsody restaurant until further notice. Please avoid this area and use an alternative route. Further updates will be released as information becomes available.

(264509) 14 Public Square Structural ReportDownload

Athens County DENSE FOG ADVISORY from 10PM, Sunday, February 15, 2026, until 10AM, Monday, February 16, 2026, visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog

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The National Weather Service has issued a DENSE FOG ADVISORY for Athens County in effect from 10:00 PM, Sunday, February 15, 2026, until 10:00 AM, Monday, February 16, 2026.

WHAT…Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.

WHERE…Portions of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, and northern and western West Virginia. This includes Athens County.

WHEN…From 10:00 PM, Sunday, February 15, 2026, until 10:00 AM, Monday, February 16, 2026.

IMPACTS…Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

The Mine Tavern partial structural collapse informational error correction

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CORRECTION

Earlier news releases concerning The Mine Tavern partial structural collapse contained an informational error. A structural engineer has issued an emergency opinion that The Mine Tavern is structurally unsafe, and its current condition jeopardizes the safety of the Dew House and Rhapsody restaurant. The engineer did not say the building needs to be demolished. An engineer’s full report will be issued within 24 hours. The decision to demolish the building is up to the property owner or by the city for public safety.

The East side of the Public Square has been closed and barricaded to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic from the Dew House to the end of Rhapsody restaurant until further notice. Please avoid this area and use an alternative route. Further updates will be released as information becomes available.

Nelsonville Public Square East side PARTIALLY CLOSED indefinitely due to a partial structural collapse at The Mine Tavern

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The Nelsonville Division of Fire has established a safety zone around The Mine Tavern partial structural collapse site. A structural engineer has issued an emergency opinion that The Mine Tavern is structurally unsafe, and its current condition jeopardizes the safety of the Dew House and Rhapsody restaurant. For public safety The Mine Tavern will need to be demolished. The engineer will issue a full report within 24 hours.

The East side of the Public Square has been closed and barricaded to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic from the Dew House to the end of Rhapsody restaurant until further notice. Please avoid this area and use an alternative route. Further updates will be released as information becomes available.

Nelsonville Public Square CLOSED indefinitely due to a partial structural collapse at The Mine Tavern

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The Nelsonville Division of Fire is still on scene for a partial structural collapse at The Mine Tavern, 14 Public Square. Firefighters were called when an approximately 6-foot section of brick wall extending from the ground to the roof had collapsed. A structural engineer was brought in to evaluate the danger posed by the damaged building. The engineer has issued an emergency opinion that The Mine Tavern is structurally unsafe, and its current condition jeopardizes the safety of the Dew House, 6 Public Square and Rhapsody restaurant, 18 Public Square. For public safety The Mine Tavern will need to be demolished. The engineer will issue a full report within 24 hrs.

The Dew House at 6 Public Square was evacuated for the safety of the residents earlier in the day and have been sheltered and received canteen services at Stuart’s Opera House. The Nelsonville Division of Fire is working with the Athens County Emergency Management Agency, the Red Cross, and the Athens County Metropolitan Housing Authority to secure housing for the residence until the area can be made safe.

For public safety, the Public Square will remain closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic until further notice. Firefighters are remaining on the Public Square to provide a safe area and are working with property owners to stabilize the situation. Please avoid this area and use an alternative route. Further updates will be released as information becomes available.

Nelsonville Public Square CLOSED due to a partial structural collapse at The Mine Tavern

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The Nelsonville Division of Fire was called to the scene of partial structural collapse at The Mine Tavern, 14 Public Square, at approximately 8:25AM this morning. Firefighters found an approximately 6-foot section of brick wall extending from the ground to the roof had collapsed.

For public safety, the Public Square has been closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Firefighters are working to stabilize the situation and are bringing in a structural engineer to assess the stability of the building. The Dew House at 6 Public Square has been evacuated for the safety of the residents. Dew House residents are being sheltered at Stuart’s Opera House until the threat to their building can be determined. Please avoid this area and use an alternative route. Further updates will be released as information becomes available.

Nelsonville Poplar St CLOSED, Harper St to 2nd St, Tue, 2/17/2026, 8AM until 4:30PM, please avoid this area and use an alternative route.

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The City of Nelsonville announces that Poplar Street between Harper Street and 2nd Street will be closed Tuesday, February 17, 2026, beginning at 8:00AM and will reopen no later than 4:30PM. This closure is necessary to perform work to tie in a water line to a 10-inch water main. Please avoid this area and use an alternative route.

As part of the project, the following addresses on Poplar Street will be without water between 9:00AM and 3:15PM; 615, 626, 631, 637-1&2, and 642. A boil order will be issued for these addresses once service is restored. Please watch for further updates.