Fort McPherson (Oct 18/04) - At least one building in Fort McPherson is ready to crumble, according to a hamlet official.

Troy Jenkins, SAO at the hamlet office in Fort McPherson, points to the state of disrepair into which the office has fallen. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo

Paint peels from sections of the office's walls, which are also showing open cracks, parts of the ceiling leak and it appears as if it may crumble.

No, it isn't an abandoned structure ready for demolition. It's Fort McPherson's hamlet office, built in the 1980s.

SAO Troy Jenkins says it's well past time to replace the structure so staff can have a safe working environment.

"The pilings are rotting and the skylights are leaking as well," Jenkins said. "We need a safe building for staff to carry out their jobs."

Jenkins said council has already approached the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) for funding.

"It could be a long process, but council is determined that this is in the best interest of the hamlet," Jenkins said.

With a price tag of $1.2 million, he said a new building would be smaller, but would have a better use of space and be more energy efficient.

Jenkins said the main catalyst behind the need for a new hamlet office stems from the January Power Corporation fire.

"We were found to be without back-up power," he said, noting the current building doesn't have a generator.