Morning Roundup: Fire at former Century III Mall; disaster aid offer to Squirrel Hill fire victims

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Thursday, Sept. 25:

Fire at former Century III Mall

A fire at the former Century III Mall broke out Wednesday morning as crews continue demolition work there, according to Pleasant Hills Volunteer Fire Company.

The flames were reported just before 8 a.m. after a column of black smoke was seen coming from the site. A construction crew was removing steel beams, which caught roofing material on fire, the fire department said on social media.

No injuries were reported.

Disaster aid for Squirrel Hill fire victims

Low interest federal disaster loans are available for residents, businesses and nonprofits affected by the Sept. 9 fire that destroyed the Jefferson Apartments building in Squirrel Hill.

The U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration covers Allegheny County, as well as Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland. Loans of up to $2 million are available to repair or replace physical damage, such as destroyed real estate, machinery, inventory and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture and appliances.

Small Business Administration customer service representatives will be available to provide details and help with applications at a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at The Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Boulevard. It will be open today 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Hours will continue Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will close permanently Oct. 10.

Demolition of the Forward Avenue building started six days after the fire. The blaze was accidental, caused by something electrical in a basement utility room, according to authorities.

Settlers Ridge on the market

The Settlers Ridge shopping center in Robinson is up for sale.

A listing from JLL indicates the plaza is 473,871 square feet and contains numerous retail stores and restaurants, as well as a grocery store and movie theater. It is 90.5% leased and has had more than 5.3 million visits over the past year, according to the listing.

There was not a purchase price listed.

Sewickley library reopening after water damage

The Sewickley Public Library will reopen at 1 p.m. today after a leak from its heating and air conditioning system caused extensive water damage.

Some areas will remain closed as repairs continue and there will be limited access to computers and the nonfiction section, according to a post on the library’s social media page. The leak happened Friday.

The community room, non-fiction section, computer area and staff workrooms were damaged. About 100 items in the non-fiction print and audio collections were damaged. Most of the flooding affected the ceilings, drywall, shelving and flooring.