East Greenwich building evacuated after brick façade begins to separate

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. — A busy stretch of Main Street in East Greenwich was shut down Monday after a structural issue was reported at a historic downtown building.

Emergency crews responded to the Masonic Building after officials received reports that part of the brick exterior was separating from the structure. When firefighters arrived, they determined the façade could fall and quickly secured the area.

Main Street was closed for several hours while crews assessed the damage. The Warwick Police Department assisted by using a drone to inspect the building from above.

As a precaution, officials evacuated the Masonic Building and a structure directly across the street. Crews then removed the unstable section of brick, which helped stabilize the building.

Officials said engineers will conduct a full structural assessment in the coming days to determine what repairs are needed.

The Masonic Building, built in 1893, houses businesses on the first floor, including a medical spa and a boutique, with apartments on the upper levels.