WEST ALLIS, Wis. — A fire at a planned West Allis DPW building that forced the evacuation of several construction workers from the roof left less damage than initially believed, though its impact could still delay completion of the building by months.
The August 20 fire on top of the building at 1906 South 53rd Street was contained primarily to the roof area above the second‑floor parking garage, according to an update from City officials August 27. Smoke and other debris from the fire was observed in office areas on the second-floor of the building, but there is no water damage.
Overall damage to the building appears “manageable”, says the City, though it’s believed the project’s progress will be delayed by months pending the arrival of replacement materials.
“Our focus now is on moving the project forward responsibly,” said Jake Jorgensen of VJS Construction Services in a statement. “We’re working closely with the City, its consultants, our trade partners and the insurance team to address the impacts, keep work progressing where possible and develop a plan for the work ahead.”
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The main areas of the building impacted by the fire include:
• Second‑floor parking garage (Area 2D): Observations to date include damage to the roof’s metal decking, numerous conduits, drainage pipes, and several light fixtures. Water drained into the first‑floor garage (Area 1D) during fire containment, prompting additional evaluation of the stone base beneath the future concrete slab.
• Second‑floor office areas (2A and 2B): Both areas have smoke residue and debris, with Area 2B most affected, and will require high‑level cleaning and potential rework of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and finishes.
• First‑floor office areas (1A and 1B): No visible fire-related damage was identified during initial inspections.
Investigators are finalizing their written report on a cause with completion anticipated by the end of the day August 28, though a supplemental report from the Milwaukee Fire Department could push its release into early next week if required for the overall investigation.
A third-party structural engineering firm will provide their own report early next week on whether any structural repairs to the building are needed.
Following inspections by the City Engineer and Director of Public Works, structural experts, architects, restoration teams, and insurance representatives, the City of West Allis is providing an early update on the fire that occurred last week at the new municipal building project.
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