Iconic Bates Building Collapses on Albia Square
Bates Building on the Albia Square partially collapses (submitted photo)
From KIIC Radio
Albia, Iowa – The Historic Bates Building, located at 1 Benton Avenue West in Albia partially collapsed this morning shortly before 8:30 a.m. The photos were taken from the perspective from the KIIC Studio Balcony.
KIIC News Director, Tom Williamson has been on the scene, and can report that there are no injuries. Investigators can rule out that this collapse was caused by a fire, and the building has become quite unstable. Albia Police and Fire Departments are on the scene insuring safety for area citizens.
This building is the former loft apartment of Robert T. Bates, Albia legend who was responsible for Operation Facelift several years ago is the operation which restored the buildings to their original condition on the historic Albia square. The upper area of the building which appears to have collapsed is the apartment portion of the building. The lower level of the building houses the offices of Albia Industrial Development.
