TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Mall is closing temporarily after failing to resolve fire code violations, according to the City of Temple.
The city said a fire inspection at the mall last month outlined several code violations that needed immediate attention including:
- Deteriorated fire suppression systems
- Non-functioning fire alarms
- Permanently locked exterior doors
The city added that these concerns were not addressed after a reinspection last week and there were additional safety concerns including plumbing, electrical and other building violations.
Following another inspection on Friday, the City of Temple has temporarily closed the mall until it can meet the necessary safety standards. They added that the length of the closure is dependent on the property owner complying with the inspections.
Temple Mall Spokesperson and Business Owner Rob Brandenburg is still processing the situation, he told 6 News.
"For the community, they could know this is not the fault of any businesses in the Temple Mall. While the mall may have its issues, the businesses within it are not the reason and we would hope the community would not see this as a reflection of any tenant," he said. "These businesses, many of them small and local, are part of the community in multiple ways and will need the full support of our community once this is resolved."
The Temple Chamber of Commerce and the city established a Tenant Resource Center to assist the affected businesses following the closure. The city added that they understand the significant impact the closing may have on businesses within the mall and appreciates cooperation as the safety concerns are addressed.
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