Vandalism Forces Skywalk Closure

Fri., Sept. 25, 1998

From Staff

The skywalk level of the former Lamonts building will close Thursday.

Vandals have repeatedly damaged the space, forcing the closure, said Al Payne of Payne Properties and Development, which manages the building for the Riverside 89 Partnership.

“We’re just going to close the doors so the space is secure,” Payne said.

The building has been empty for about three-and-a-half years, when Lamonts closed.

“If it were occupied, we wouldn’t have the trouble,” Payne said. ‘It’s like leaving a vacant building open. We lock the ground floor.”

Because there are no tenants, Payne said he couldn’t financially justify hiring security guards to watch the space.

Vandals have kicked panels out of doors and punched holes through Sheetrock, Payne said.

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