Wrecking Cincinnati, 4/12/10

2426 Copelen Street, Walnut Hills
Single-family
DOB: 1885
Died: June 2009
Cause of death: A suspected arson fire that destroyed the entire second story of the house, making it structurally unsound. Previous inspections revealed a rotted sill at the left rear of the building, a fallen kitchen ceiling, a front porch pulling away from the main structure, and abundant trash and debris.

It was condemned in August 2007, declared a public nuisance in March 2009, and razed by the City following asbestos abatement.

Money from an insurance settlement was held in escrow and may have been used to reimburse the City. There also appears to have been a criminal case, but it looks like the charges were dismissed since, by December 2009, the nuisance had long been abated.

The property was assessed at $6,140 at the time of demolition, with the house valued at $1,940. It is now belongs to the owner of the neighboring apartment building, Foundation Khadimou Rassoul of North America, a non-profit dedicated to the social and economic empowerment of rural Senegalese.