Ruptured water pipes caused an estimated $50,000 damage to the vacant Dollar Days building at 3615-3625 Tower Ave.
Water was reported flowing out from under the doors of the building at about 5:30 a.m. Monday and Superior firefighters were called in. Battalion Chief Scott Gordon said he was able to access the building without breaking any doors. A key was available in the building's key box, also known as a Knox box. When he opened the door, Gordon said, the water in the building was at least six inches high and it was leaking out of every possible crack. Superior Water, Power & Light employees cut off water to the site, which includes two fire hydrants. Superior firefighters drained the building for a few hours but the building is on a slab and has no common drain. Gordon estimated there was still up to two inches of water covering the floor when they locked the doors back up.
According to Gordon and the police report, there was no heat in the building but the sprinkler system was still active. It appears the water in the pipes froze and ruptured over the winter. Over the weekend it warmed up enough for water to start flowing again.
According to county records, the building is owned by Zimmer Properties out of Wilmington, N.C. Gordon said he has left messages with the company and been in touch with a representative from Office Max, which still has the lease on the building. They are aware of the damage, although no one is sure who actually owns the building, Gordon said.
