ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Investigators are working to figure out the cause of the Albany strip mall collapse on Wednesday, June 25.

WALB is still waiting on the city of Albany to release any information they have found on the strip mall collapse. The city says they should have an official statement ready on Tuesday.

But on Thursday, WALB learned about the impact this building has on nearby business owners.

Face It Beauty was only open for a few weeks, and barbers at the barber shop are now out of work due to the collapse.

One of the businesses with the most foot traffic is Masterpiece Barbershop. Right now, there are four barbers looking for options on where they can relocate.

Now, community leaders are encouraging the city to continue to support the business owners who are now out of work because of the collapse.

“I encourage the community to continue to patronize the people in this plaza,” said Pastor Yaz Johnson, community leader and former tenant of the strip mall. “For those who are not able to drive, it’s in walking distance, it’s right in the heart of the community. The impact it had on the lives of those in the community is vital.”

Yumonica Moultrie, the owner of Yuniques Event Rental, which is located right next door to the strip mall, told WALB that the Albany Fire Department went inside her building yesterday to survey the damage and to see if any damage was done to her property. Thankfully, her business is unharmed.

“I’ve been getting calls this morning about clients wanting to cancel because it looks so bad. It’s an eyesore. I’m losing money. I’m in business to make money, not to lose money, so it’s not a good situation for me,” said Moultrie.

Additionally, Cindy Williams, the niece of one of the real estate businesses in the strip mall, told WALB that she was shocked to hear that her family business was a part of the collapse, and she came here today to collect a family heirloom.

“I thought about the sign that still says, ‘Dents Real Estate,’ and I was saying, ‘I wonder if I can go get a piece of our history.’ But looking at it, I don’t know. They’re going to have to lift it for us to get the sign,” said Cindy Williams.

Lifting it is exactly what Marcus Scott, the owner of the building, says he will do. Not only is he planning on lifting the awning, but he also says he plans on reopening the building after code enforcement completes their inspection.

Locals told WALB that the strip mall has been in the heart of South Albany for over 50 years.

The proximity to local food and grocery stores across the street made the plaza accessible for decades, particularly for those without other modes of transportation.

The plaza was growing by welcoming new businesses, and other business owners say they feel for the business owners who just lost their storefront.

The owners of the barbershop say they don’t want to be out of work for a long time, and they’re doing everything that they can to get their customers back in their chairs.

As for this building, the loss is substantial to those on the south side who say they are looking forward to the services again.

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