Downtown Construction Updates
140 S Guadalupe St
(Former Comet Cleaners site)
Start Date: Wednesday, Feb. 22
The structures located on City of San Marcos property at 140 S Guadalupe St are scheduled for emergency demolition on February 22, 2023. The building was cleared for demolition in May 2022, however, after a recent inspection, the building was deemed unsafe and the demolition has been expedited for public safety.
Only the structures will be removed. The foundations and asphalt areas will remain in place. The demolition has been permitted through the City's development codes and will occur in compliance with all safety regulations. A 3rd party environmental inspector will monitor the demolition. Recyclable materials will be removed and will not be landfilled.
Guadalupe Street Demolition FAQs
Q: Who owns the building?
A: The City of San Marcos purchased the property in November 2020.
Q: Is this a historic structure?
A: The 1941 building underwent a historic review through the Historic Commission last year and was cleared for demolition in May 2022.
Q: Is this an unsafe structure?
A: Yes. The building has been deemed an attractive nuisance and an unsafe structure.
Q: Will the foundation be removed or just the building?
A: Only the structures will be removed. The foundation and asphalt areas will remain in place to be removed at a later date.
Q: Are there contaminants in the soils?
A: The City is currently working with TCEQ to address the contaminants of concern under the TCEQ Voluntary Clean-up Program.
Q: Will an environmental inspector be onsite during the process?
A: The demolition has been permitted through the City’s development codes and will occur in compliance with all safety regulations. A 3rd party environmental inspector will monitor the demolition.
Q: Will any part of the building be recycled?
A: Recyclable materials will be removed and will not be landfilled.
Q: What are future plans for this property?
A: While the property is still undergoing cleanup efforts, it is difficult to know with certainty what short-term uses will be possible. City staff are exploring multiple short-term uses that may “activate”.
Q: Can this property be used for parking as a short-term use?
A: Current City Code prohibits the use for surface parking.
Q: What times is the demolition expected to take place?
A: The contractors will be onsite around 8:30 to begin. This will be a 3 – 4 day job.
Q: Will the demolition require street closures?
A: Street closures will not be required.
Q: What noise levels are expected during the demolition?
A: Noise levels and types will vary. Equipment noises and the dumping of cinderblocks into dumpsters will be the majority of the noise.
