Building update: Bodies of three men recovered

The bodies of three missing men have been recovered from the partially collapsed apartment building in downtown Davenport. That was the word from Davenport city officials, who gave a brief media update Monday morning, June 5, on the ongoing search and recovery efforts surrounding the 324 Main St. building that partially collapsed on Sunday, May […]

The bodies of three missing men have been recovered from the partially collapsed apartment building in downtown Davenport. That was the word from Davenport city officials, who gave a brief media update Monday morning, June 5, on the ongoing search and recovery efforts surrounding the 324 Main St. building that partially collapsed on Sunday, May 28.

“There has been substantial work done at the site. … Our focus has been on the family of the victims and the ongoing recovery efforts,” Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said during the 15-minute news conference.  Mr. Matson said he had to cut the meeting short in order to give an update on the building to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who also was in Davenport on Monday morning. The governor has issued a disaster proclamation for Scott County in response to the partial collapse of an apartment building. By her proclamation, the state will waive the fees associated with the issuance of a duplicate or substitute driver’s license or non-operator’s identification card for residents affected by the recent disaster.  During the Monday update, Davenport Police Chief Jeff Bladel said the bodies of the three missing apartment building tenants have been recovered in the ruins of the building. The body of Branden Colvin Sr., 42, was recovered about noon Saturday, June 3; Ryan Hitchcock, 51, was recovered about 12:25 p.m. Sunday, June 4; and crews recovered Daniel Prien, 60, overnight at about 2:30 a.m. Monday. “So far, the community has rallied around the families (of the three victims),” the chief added. Also on Monday, Rick Halleran, chief of the Cedar Rapids Division of Task Force One, said crews continue to work at the building site, but added: “We will be wrapping things up shortly. ... The hope is we will be entering a new chapter in the process.” Part of that new chapter will likely be continuing to investigate the collapse, and moving forward with plans to eventually demolish the building. Mr. Matson did not offer a timeline on when demolition work would begin. He did say the city is working with many structural experts from around the U.S. to demolish the building “in a dignified manner.”

“Overnight crews continued operations at 324 Main Street, focusing on the material pile and removing material from the scene. This work will continue throughout the day today (Monday) with crews working 12-hour shifts around the clock,” according to the City of Davenport’s Facebook page. City officials also are helping with recovery efforts to assist residents of the apartment building and businesses located near the building. Many of those residents and business owners attended a Red Cross event to apply for financial assistance that was held Saturday, June 3, at the downtown Davenport YMCA. According to the city’s Facebook page, some of the details of that financial help include:  For residential tenants of 324 Main St.:

• One-time grant of $6,000 per tenant household intended to assist with rent/security deposits, replacing household goods and clothing, food, appliances, etc. as a result of the displacement.
• The grant is not tied to income restrictions.

For residential tenants in buildings adjacent and at-risk (i.e., building not allowed to occupy, north side of 3rd Street and Executive Square area):

• One-time grant of $1,000 per tenant household intended to assist with short-term hotel costs, food replacement, short-term displacement costs.
• The grant is not tied to income restrictions.

For commercial tenants of 324 Main St.:

• One-time grant of $25,000 per commercially-leased space intended to assist with replacement of equipment, inventory, deposit/rent, signage and other operational start-up costs at a new location.
• City staff is working with the Downtown Davenport Partnership and reaching out individually to businesses impacted.

For commercial tenants in buildings adjacent and at-risk (along north side of 3rd Street; west side of Main Street; and Executive Square area):

• One-time grant of $5,000 per commercially-leased space intended to assist with lost inventory and revenue losses due to temporary closure.

Impacted residents and commercial businesses also can email the city at [email protected] for more information.