‘Implosion date has been set’: Mayor Curry says Berkman II to be demolished once and for all

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A final demolition date has been set for the Berkman II.

On Twitter Tuesday, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced the implosion date has been scheduled for Sunday, March 6 at 10 a.m.

Demolition of the 14-year eyesore was delayed several times over the past six months. The latest demolition date was set for Jan. 8, but was again delayed.

In city documents, the Berkman II is described as “unstable and poses a threat to the life, safety and welfare of surrounding property and citizens.”

Last month, Action News Jax’s Ben Becker obtained a memo from the ownership group, citing the latest scheduled implosion date of Jan. 8 as “too optimistic” because of the “complexity” of the job and “financial risks” as the ownership group seeks to expand insurance coverage.

Following the most recent delay, Mayor Curry filed emergency legislation to remove the building. City Council approved the effort in a 15-1 vote. The move appropriates $1.2 million from the city’s general fund toward the demolition.

Construction of the Berkman II stopped in 2007 after worker Willie Edwards was killed in a partial collapse.

This is a developing story.

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