Old Ruskowski Building in Lompoc being demolished

A well-known building in Lompoc that has stood for over 115 years is being torn down.

The Ruskowski Building at 113 and 115 South H Street in downtown Lompoc is currently in the process of being demolished. The two-story unreinforced brick building was built in 1903 and has been unoccupied since 1999.

The property was deemed uninhabitable due to its current state and it would be too expensive to restore. The property has also been substantially modified over time and is not eligible to be recognized as a historical place.

Because Lompoc sits in a seismic zone, it was an important safety measure for the city to tear down the building.

“In the unfortunate event of an earthquake, great bodily harm including deaths could have occurred in our prominent downtown area,” Lompoc City Fire Department Fire Battalion Chief Dena Paschke said.

Once demolition is complete, the vacant property will be available for sale and development. It’s currently owned by Life Options, Vocational and Resource Center (LOVARC).

Businesses in the area will be unimpeded by construction.

The demolition started on Monday and could take up to a month to complete.