Portland, Oregon – A controlled demolition of the historic Centennial Mills warehouse, which is infested with asbestos, is scheduled for Monday. The planned explosion comes after a significant fire on August 2 in the abandoned eight-story building, located in the Pearl District. Portland Fire & Rescue officials confirmed the presence of asbestos and stated that K9 units detected what are believed to be human remains inside the structure. The identity and cause of death of the individual have not yet been released.
Community Concerns Over Asbestos Exposure
The upcoming demolition, involving four explosives placed around the building's water tower, has heightened anxiety among local residents. The building, constructed in 1910, contains asbestos, a material widely used in construction before its link to cancer and other serious health issues became known. While authorities claim the demolition will mitigate the risk of asbestos exposure, they are advising residents to remain indoors, close windows, and stay at least 300 feet away from the site during the blast. Despite these precautions, residents expressed worries about airborne asbestos fibers potentially spreading into the community.
This concern follows an earlier incident where smoke from the fire caused debris and ash to scatter throughout the neighborhood. Although air quality tests conducted the day after the fire indicated low health risks outside the immediate fire area, and workers in protective gear were deployed for cleanup, the community remains apprehensive.
Investigation and Building History
Following the August 2 blaze, investigators utilized drones and K9 units to search the compromised building. Jason Andersen, an investigator with Portland Fire & Rescue, stated on August 7 that they were investigating the possibility of a person being inside the structure, acknowledging the seriousness of potential loss of life and the complexity of the fire investigation.
The Centennial Mills warehouse has a long history. The mill was built in 1910, with the water tower added two years later after an earlier fire. It ceased operations in the 1990s and was sold to the city before being purchased by property owner Stuart Lindquist for $1.25 million in 2024.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities indicating that a thorough examination cannot be conducted until after the demolition.
Broader Context of Downtown Portland
Residents previously voiced complaints about the abandoned building attracting squatters and homeless encampments. The situation at Centennial Mills is occurring against a backdrop of challenges facing downtown Portland, which has experienced a decline in recent years marked by visible tent encampments and issues with drug use. This downturn has been exacerbated by policy changes, including the decriminalization of hard drug possession, which critics argue contributed to an overdose crisis and open-air drug markets. Despite recent policy reversals, the recovery of the downtown area remains an ongoing concern for the city.
Residents will receive a text message alert one hour before the scheduled demolition, along with sirens sounding closer to the countdown. 
