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Burned apartment complex building passed repeated city inspections

Fire destroyed building at 18th and Emerson
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DENVER – The City of Denver had previously inspected the site of Wednesday’s massive construction fire as recently as Monday, and records reviewed by the Denver7 Investigators show the electrical company passed inspection.

The fire destroyed the under-construction Emerson Place Apartments at 1833 Emerson. One person’s body was found at the burned site. A firefighter and another person were taken to Denver Health Medical Center with injuries. The fire fighter was released Wednesday afternoon.

ELECTRICAL

City inspection records show Accent Electrical Services Corporation’s work was inspected and passed a “partial rough” inspection. A partial rough inspection means part of the building’s larger electrical work was inspected, said Andrea Burns, Denver’s Community Planning and Development Communications Director.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Vertix Builders Inc. is the general contractor and has a license in good standing, Burns said.

“There have been no complaints or warnings associated with this contractor license,” Burns told Denver7 Investigates reporter Jace Larson.

City inspected Vertix Builders’ work on the building’s frame and marked it approved on Feb. 28, records show.

The site passed inspection for exterior sheathing on Feb. 12.

A notation made for Feb 20 says, “insulation above garage doors OK contractor also asked general questions about fire blocking and draft stopping requirements.”

PLUMBING

Plumbing work done by Utah Mechanical Contractors Inc. passed city inspection Mar. 4. The inspector noted, “First floor gas and first and second floor (drainage, waste and vent plumbing) inspection approved.”

FIRE SUPPRESSION

Fire suppression equipment contractor Gilbert Contracting passed inspection Feb. 15. The inspection was also a “rough” inspection meaning it was not a full building inspection.

OSHA

The sub-contractors who have pulled permits with the City of Denver did not have a history of workplace safety violations, according to online records for the Occupational Safety and Administration (OSHA).

The site was set to be an 80-apartment complex that was expected to open later this year.

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