Euclid Avenue reopens after Sterling Building is evacuated because of safety concerns

CLEVELAND - Workers in a downtown building were evacuated because of safety concerns Tuesday morning.

Rescue crews converged on the Sterling Building around 11 a.m. The building houses Cuyahoga County's 911 center, as well as some private businesses.

Employees in the building noticed the outside wall of the building bowing out.

James Evans works inside the building.

"They came in and notified we had to evacuated because of a potential collapse," said Evans.

A team of engineers went inside the building to investigate.

"What they've determined is that it is not structural," said Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald. Officials said a stucco-like covering was put over the brick of the building for cosmetic purposes and it came loose from the steel frame.

As for what caused the problem and why, officials said that remains under investigation. The heavy wind and rain could have played a role.

"We're not sure. I think that's what the engineers will look at over the next couple of days. It is a possibility that moisture is an issue," said Cuyahoga County Chief of Staff Matt Carroll.

The building is located at 1255 Euclid Ave.

FitzGerald said the calls to CECOMS were transferred seamlessly to a backup location at the city. He said no service was disrupted.

A portion of Euclid Ave was shut down for part of the day. It was reopened Tuesday afternoon. Workers were eventually allowed back inside the building.