Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) – A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Albuquerque over the demolition of the historic Bliss Building in downtown Albuquerque.
The building’s owners, Steve and Dawn Vatoseow, claim in their suit the city rushed to demolish the more than 120-year-old structure after a partial collapse in April, arguing the building could have been repaired rather than torn down. Demolition began about two months after the collapse. The lawsuit also names State Farm, alleging the insurance company provided coverage for the historic property but later denied claims related to the damage. Attorney Michael Cadigan, who represents the owners and is a former city councilor, argues the city denied them due process by not allowing sufficient time to evaluate alternatives before ordering the demolition.
The city in a statement says, they “understand the historic importance of Lindy’s and the impact of losing the Bliss Building, but when a building becomes a threat to public safety, we act,” wrote a city spokesperson. “We made the difficult decision to remove the unsafe structure to protect downtown businesses, residents, and visitors who use Central Avenue and 5th Street every day.”
