Restoration attempt of White Pigeon building

Owners of a condemned building in downtown White Pigeon have been given a chance to try bringing the landmark up to safety codes.

A specially assembled, seven-member panel called the Village of White Pigeon Construction Board of Appeals agreed Tuesday to give Union Hall Block Building Inc. six months to make safety-related improvements before authorization for further restoration is issued.

After more than two hours of discussion, the two sides agreed Union Hall Block Building needs to stabilize the foundation of its building at 100 and 102 East Chicago Street. It previously housed the Tasty Nut Shop and Silver Spoons Catering.

The next requirement is to secure some type of netting over the west side of the three-story building to contain bricks that come loose and potentially fall.

Board chairman Michael Alwine said any additional work will be authorized based on whether the first safety-related measures are adequately achieved.