Canopy placed at historic Loop building after terra cotta falls

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Updated: January 30, 2012 2:12AM

A sidewalk canopy will protect pedestrians from the dangers of aging terra cotta that fell from a historic Loop building Friday evening, city officials said.

Two pieces of terra cota fell from the corner of 28 E. Jackson, forcing police to shut down Jackson between State and Wabash on Friday.

Although no injuries were reported, a sidewalk canopy was placed in front of the Steger building as a precaution. And scaffolding will also be placed in front of the building, according to Caroline Weisser, a spokeswoman with the city’s Buildings Department.

Building management will also be required to undergo a facade examination — which was last inspected in 2009. Management must also hire a structural engineer for a more critical facade exam, Weisser said.

Although there’s no official timeline for the repair, the city says management is asked to inspect the facade as soon as possible.