Demolition crews started taking down the property at 248-250 E. Mauch Chunk St. in Tamaqua Wednesday morning.

A side wall of the property collapsed onto the sidewalk Tuesday afternoon.

Tamaqua Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt said two structural engineers inspected the partially-collapsed building with code officials Tuesday night. Both determined that the building was an imminent hazard and emergency demolition was needed.

Tamaqua borough council applied for an emergency demolition permit Tuesday evening.

Code officials notified the property owner, who lists an address of Chevy Chase, Maryland. The owner will be held responsible for the demolition and inspection costs.

— Jill Whalen