GILBERT, Ariz. — Businesses at a decades-old Gilbert shopping plaza are scrambling after inspectors determined the building was structurally unsafe and ordered an immediate evacuation.
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Gilbert Fire and Rescue ordered a full closure of the strip mall on Gilbert Road on Monday after multiple inspections revealed serious structural concerns.
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The shopping center, built in 1986, is home to several businesses, including Cafe De Bangkok, Dark Horse Tattoo Company, Jeannie’s Grooming, TLC Wash N Clean and Tokers Vape & Smoke.
By Wednesday afternoon, cars continued to pull into the parking lot as customers arrived, unaware that the businesses had been shut down.
“I’ve been in this area over 30 years, and it’s just surreal,” said Gilbert resident Abby Heller.
Heller said she had visited the plaza just days before the evacuation order.
“We’re definitely going to have to make some changes in our routine to adjust to this impact,” she said.
For business owners, the disruption has been far greater.
Tom Rochanakit, owner of Cafe De Bangkok, said he spent months working with fire inspectors and investing in upgrades to his restaurant.
“I’ve done everything, you know, because this building is very old already,” he said.
Despite those efforts, Rochanakit said he and the other tenants were forced to shut down Monday night while customers were still inside.
“I have to run out and keep telling new customers, no, I’m so sorry,” he said.
Gilbert Fire and Rescue said the evacuation became necessary after inspectors identified structural instability, including a large crack running up the back of the two-story building, along with other concerns involving load-bearing walls and the foundation.
“Our first obligation is always the safety of the people in our community. When structural concerns reach a level that poses an immediate risk, we have to act,” Gilbert Fire Chief Rob Duggan said in a statement.
Rochanakit said the closure came without warning for many tenants.
“Super surprise for everyone, you know, we never get any notice,” he said.
Gilbert Fire and Rescue said the evacuation was ordered immediately because inspectors determined the building posed an immediate safety risk.
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Town officials said the building will remain closed until the property owner completes repairs necessary to meet safety standards. Individual suites could potentially reopen before the entire center if inspectors determine they are safe for occupancy.
Some tenants told 12News they have questions about how long structural concerns may have been known prior to the closure.
12News reached the property owner by phone. He said he is working with the town and hopes to reopen the building, but did not provide a timeline before ending the call.
In the meantime, tenants are searching for new locations while trying to keep their businesses afloat.
“I don’t know which way we have to go, but anyway, we need some hope,” Rochanakit said.
The town’s economic development team and the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce are working to assist displaced businesses with relocation options, permitting and other resources as they navigate the closure.
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