ST. FRANCIS, Wis. (UPDATE 8/18/25 7:30 p.m.) — St. Francis Fire Department confirmed they observed “signs of instability on the two remaining exterior masonry column walls” where the exterior balcony and stairway collapsed.
It’s still unclear what caused the collapse. The apartment building’s property management told the fire department they’re in the process of getting repairs done.
The four units impacted by the collapse have been condemned until repairs are made. Residents from
the remaining 15 units were not affected. Those displaced from the four condemned units reportedly found temporary housing with family and/or friends.
The incident was referred to the City of St. Francis Building Inspection Department for further inspections. St. Francis Fire Department is not investigating the collapse.
ST. FRANCIS, Wis.– A tense scene unfolded Sunday night in St. Francis after part of a staircase and balconies at an apartment building suddenly collapsed.
The incident happened around 8 p.m. near South Kansas and South Whitnall Avenue. Fire officials say debris from the collapse blocked a basement entrance, leaving several residents unable to help people escape through windows.
Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Inspectors found stress and cracking in parts of the building’s brick walls, but say the rest of the structure remained stable. Residents whose apartments were unaffected are being allowed to stay, while repairs are arranged for the damaged section. Those affected are not in their apartments at this time.
One nearby resident told WTMJ the structure had shown signs of damage for months, and said management was contacted several times, without a response.
For now, the collapse is under investigation, and city officials are monitoring the site to ensure safety and repairs move forward.
