Big boom. Image: Kale Williams/Axios
Demolition of the fire-ravaged Centennial Mills building began Monday, starting with four controlled explosions to bring down the building’s rooftop water tower.
State of play: Ever since a blaze gutted the blighted 116-year-old Northwest Portland landmark earlier this month, nearby residents and property owners have been on their toes as city officials warn the unstable structure is at risk of collapse.
- The threat posed by the seven-floor building’s husk collapsing prompted closure of part of nearby Northwest Naito Parkway and Fields Park, and halted Amtrak service between Portland and Seattle indefinitely.
Threat level: A sudden collapse could send debris containing asbestos and lead airborne and into surrounding neighborhoods…