A historic building in Lisbon may be demolished, after years of disrepair have left the structure in a dangerous state.

The fire chief is moving to condemn the Nace Building located at 111 N. Market St. which he is calling a major concern for public safety.

The building is in such deplorable condition it is starting to impact other businesses, but the group who owns the building is hoping they can rehab it before further steps are taken to flatten it.

The building is almost 174 years old, but the now dilapidated structure is creating a safety hazard, after fierce winds sent the metal sheets covering the roof flying onto the roadways. 

 Members of the Lisbon Landmark Foundation (LLF) said it's still worth saving. The foundation purchased the building in 2018.

Since then, Mayor and member of LLF, Peter Wilson said they have had issues with contractors working in a timely manner along with issues with obtaining necessary funding to complete renovations.

"If we are able to rehab the building, the idea of course is to make the viable and have retail businesses on the first floor and apartments on the second floor," Wilson told 21 news. 

Dody Johnson, franchise owner of a neighboring business said the condition of the building is causing water damage and they now have a mold problem.

Johnson's mother even found a rat that had wandered over and gotten into her purse.

The fire chief said he plans to send an official letter to the foundation to have the building condemned.