A portion of the former building that many residents have known as Boise Cascade, Lionite, Georgia Pacific, and a few other company names, but is also referred to as "the mill," collapsed in Phillips on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. This was not a planned demolition. It is believed the high winds, freezing rain, and snow may have been a factor, but that has not been confirmed.
Mayor Charles Peterson stated, "With the recent collapse of the north portion of the Phillips Lionite building, the City of Phillips would like to inform everyone that the city is currently working and doing everything possible to encourage the prompt cleanup of the property."
According to the City of Phillips, the owners, Phillips Lionite Wood Products Co, LLC, have been notified by the police department of the collapse. There is no set timeline for clean-up but that does not mean there will not be one in the future.
Regarding some residents coming up with ideas on things that could be built there if Phillips Lionite Wood Products Co, LLC chose to sell their property or build something new themselves, any new construction would have to comply with current zoning requirements or apply for a variance, if needed. The shoreline setbacks for the City of Phillips are 75 feet.
UPDATE: 5-15-2023: Phillips Lionite Wood Products Co, LLC has obtained permits for the removal of the downed structure.
Submitted photos.
Read an update at this link.
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