Biggs Metal Art owner escapes collapsing roof

A collapsing roof makes an incredible amount of noise, said Tim Biggs, whose shop and studio in North Spokane was one of several units damaged by a roof cave-in early Tuesday morning.

“I heard a lot of popping and banging,” the owner of Biggs Metal Art said. “It sounded like gunfire.”

Biggs said he returned to his shop and studio about 11 p.m. Monday, and shortly afterward began hearing noises from an adjoining unit in the wood building with steel siding at Mission and Greene. He saw drywall separating, and looked up to see his ceiling opening up. He grabbed his computer and a few other valuables and took them out to his car.

He thought he should call his landlord, but remembered the number was on the desk near the phone, so he started back in to get it.

“There was an eruption next door. I literally dove right out my front door as the building I was in caved in.”

Almost everything in his studio and shop are covered with debris, and everything that isn’t, he can’t access because pieces of the roof are still dangling over them. The building has been condemned.

Biggs does exotic metal work and specialized pieces for building renovations, as well as customized motorcycles, jewelry and furniture. He had planned a show for early 2009.

“It’s a setback,” he said. “Some of the projects are going to be delayed, but I intend to continue.”

His advice to those who think they hear the sound of a collapsing roof? “You should get out, immediately.”