A downtown Clinton building has been declared unsafe by city officials, forcing a longtime local business to halt operations while new owners work through required repairs.
A yellow “Unsafe Building” notice was posted on the front entrance of the structure on March 14, 2026, by the City of Clinton Community Development Department. The notice states the building has been found to be dangerous and must remain posted until the property is either repaired, vacated, or demolished, and the site brought into compliance with city ordinances.
City officials say the action was taken under Clinton Ordinance #3144 after an inspection determined conditions inside the building posed safety concerns.
The designation has created an unexpected challenge for the new owners of Square 109, a long-established business operating at the location. After recently taking over the operation, they must now navigate structural and safety improvements before they can reopen to customers.
While specific details about the repairs required have not yet been publicly released, unsafe building notices typically involve issues such as structural integrity, electrical or fire hazards, or general deterioration that could pose a risk to occupants or the public.
The posting makes it unlawful to remove the notice until the required work has been completed and approved by the city.
It is unclear how long the business will remain closed as the owners evaluate the scope of repairs and work with city officials on a path forward.
City leaders encourage property owners to address maintenance and safety issues proactively to help preserve Clinton’s historic downtown while ensuring public safety.
