Businesses evacuated due to structural integrity concerns in downtown Sioux Falls

Crews blocked off a portion of Phillips Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls Thursday afternoon due to concerns about the structural integrity of a building.

Authorities tell KSFY News that they were concerned about the brick facade at the top of the building that houses Vishnu Bunny Tattoo & Piercing and Primp Boutique near 10th Street.

Crews said the brick facade was leaning forward into the public walkway.

Phillips Avenue was blocked off between 10th and 11th streets for several hours. Police officers and firefighters evacuated businesses, parking spaces and sidewalks in front of the building as a precaution.

Mayor Paul TenHaken and other city officials were at the scene.

This building is near the site of the Dec. 2016 collapse of the Copper Lounge. Thursday was opening day for Lewis Drug, which is located at the site of the collapse.