KC inspection photo shows Family Dollar roof tilting 5 days before fatal collapse

Just days before Sunday’s fatal building collapse in Midtown, Kansas City’s neighborhoods department received multiple complaints about the Family Dollar — including that the structure was “tilting.”

Meanwhile, a photo attached to a city inspection conducted last Tuesday, July 22, for an open litter case shows the exterior of the building apparently in poor condition with the roof visibly sagging — five days before it collapsed.

City records show that the neighborhood preservation division, part of the neighborhood services department, opened a case into the building, in the 3700 block of Broadway Boulevard, on Friday following a report from a resident concerned about the building’s integrity.

That was before the building partially collapsed on Sunday afternoon, killing one man and injuring at least three others. Larry Banks, who lived in a nearby apartment building, died after a corner of the building crumpled to the ground, and onto him, near the entrance.

Two people declined further medical attention and walked away from the scene, while one person was seriously injured and hospitalized.

The city’s neighborhood preservation department has more than 50 community engagement officers who respond to complaints over nuisances and other property maintenance violations, according to the city website. It was not immediately clear what action city staff took after the Friday report before the Sunday collapse, which happened around 2:45 p.m.

The business has faced several complaints in recent years over trash and litter in the parking lot and dumpster areas, records show. There have been at least 25 inspections related to the issue since June 2023, including one last Tuesday, which found that “trash is still present.”

One of the photos attached to the July 22 inspection file in the trash case shows the section of the building that collapsed starting to separate from the rest of the building.

In the city photo, taken five days before the fatal collapse, the building’s corner appears to be tilting, and the facade appears to be coming apart. A follow-up inspection in the trash case was scheduled for Aug. 5.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the injuries that occurred,” Lanè Johnson, a Kansas City spokesperson said in a written statement Tuesday. “This is not something the City takes lightly. We are actively investigating this incident and working closely with multiple departments—including Public Works, Neighborhood Services, City Planning and Development, and the Kansas City Fire Department.

In its statement, the city said the building owners are responsible for a building’s safety.

“We are still trying to understand why the property owners did not apply for a permit with City Planning and Development to repair the building after it was struck by a car in 2016,” the statement read. “Ultimately, the responsibility for the structural integrity and safety of a building lies with its property owner and manager.”

The Star’s Noelle Alviz-Gransee contributed reporting.

This story was originally published July 28, 2025 at 1:11 PM.