Alex Bar-B-Q building in Shell Beach torn down by mistake

September 19, 2018

During what was supposed to be a remodel, a contractor tore down the historic Alex Bar-B-Q building in Shell Beach on Tuesday. [Cal Coast Times]

Built in the 1930s, the building has been a local gathering spot for almost 80 years.

Several years ago, the restaurant shut down while its owner, Compass Health, planned a remodeled. During the renovation, an engineer found a tower to be compromised and the worksite was deemed unsafe.

Working under a remodel permit, Kain Construction garnered a permit to tear the tower down. But Tuesday morning, workers demolished the entire building.

After discovering the demolition, the city posted stop work signs at the site. City administrators are considering revoking the permit while they work to learn how the miscommunication occurred.


Loading...
15 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

I laugh at the Paso Robles city council that is saving that butt ugly River Lodge Motel from the wrecking ball because it is “historic”. Same with Alex’s as far as I’m concerned. Just my opinion.


Forgiveness will yield to a better view blocking structure. The reality is that this commercial land is to valuable to preserve old timbers. Eventually there will be more timbers tumbling because the freeway drivers needs to pay attention their driving, a opportunists scenario that will afford a greater land use. Certainly there will be new fees and new tax revenue, guess who is going to win?


Did they accidentally leave one wall standing? That constitutes a “remodel” and bypasses the new building permit fees and hassles as I understand. They did the neighborhood a favor anyhow except for the rats that scattered to neighboring homes.