The building, at 211 E. Columbia Drive, was owned by the Port of Kennewick. Photo courtesy of our news partner KNDU-TV.

Sgt. Ken Lattin of the Kennewick Police Department said the Kennewick building inspector and fire crews are on scene investigating, although traffic in the area has now been cleared.

Officials got reports earlier Wednesday morning about the old empty building, which completely collapsed from the weight of snow on the roof.  Only the front face of the building still stands, the part you see in these pictures.  This image shows the original structure. The roof completely caved at once, appearing to take down the walls underneath it.

Original building at 211 E. Columbia Drive (Google Street View)
Original building at 211 E. Columbia Drive (Google Street View)
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Initially, it was thought there might have been a  transient or two inside, as reports indicated sometimes homeless people had been taking shelter inside some of the old buildings that are eventually slated for removal as the Columbia Drive renovations continue. But after initial inspections, no one has been found.

Before becoming empty, the building once housed Central Music and Vending, then according to internet searches, was the home of Luster Glaze America Auto Detailing.

Also, according to city records, some time back demolition bids were being taken on the building, but the timetable was not clear as to when it would be taken down. Apparently Mother Nature and weight of the snow did it for the city.

Kennewick police and fire caution people to make sure and sweep snow off structures that might not have be able to support the weight of the near record snowfall, especially sheds and storage buildings.

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