Facade collapse at Praha building prompts Corbet Street closure in Tarentum

Part of Corbet Street in Tarentum was closed until further notice Monday after bricks from the facade of the Praha building fell onto the street and sidewalk.

A borough police officer found the damage around 1:25 a.m. Monday, code enforcement Officer Anthony Bruni said.

The 115-year-old building sits at and turns the corner of Corbet and Fourth Avenue. Bricks fell from near the top of the Corbet Street side, and were strewn on the sidewalk below. More bricks appeared loose around the opening, which bubbled out at the edges.

Bruni said the building’s owners, Ken and Cris Gulick, were notified and they have been in contact with contractors to remove the remaining loose bricks, stabilize the structure and make a plan for a permanent repair.

Cris Gulick would not speak with a reporter at the building Monday afternoon. Ken Gulick could not immediately be reached for comment.

Corbet is closed between Fourth and Fifth avenues because the loose bricks on the facade were still a fall hazard, Bruni said.

“It is possible that the rainstorm that came through last night may have been a factor in the cause, but it is uncertain at this time,” Bruni said. “We ask that pedestrians avoid that area until it can be made safe to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.”

The restaurant is typically closed on Mondays. There are apartments above.

“At this time the damage does not seem to be having an impact on the occupancy,” Bruni said. “I have to assess this further.”