Retail store that is part of a outdoor strip mall

[waldo0910]

I have recently purchased my store which is now on the end of a 4 store strip mall center. There used to be a building on opposite side of me which was once a free standing building many many years ago. The other 3 stores were later added and built up right next to it (and by right next to it my exterior wall could not be seen from any area) and it became a small "strip mall". The store which was once free standing caught on fire several years back and they tore the building down with the exception of what used to be the outer brick wall because she claims the Mayor asked her to leave it because it "looked better" than having the block wall from the other building exposed. The building that burnt down was about 8' taller than the buildings that was added and the brick wall that is remaining has 7 large open windows (these are 3' x 4' windows) and is exposing an area between my roof and allowing for animals or birds or bugs to live in between the walls. When I purchased the building I was under the impression that the outer wall was considered the same as a "condiminum ruling or adjoined wall" I have simply been trying to improve the looks of the run down wall and also protect my property by painting the wall and was going to add windows in the open holes. The owner has informed this past weekend that the wall is hers and she doesn't want it painted or doesn't currently want windows in it. I asked her if she had any intent on rebuilding on the lot and she said no. I expressed my concerns about her leaving up a wall which would not give me access to my wall and protect my building and she said there was only rentors in my space before and it had never been an issue. So I am looking for any kind of clarification. I don't want to necessarily claim the wall but I also don't want anything living in between a wall that apparently left up for no other reason than looks and what is my outer wall. I spent thousands of dollars on the rehab of this store and don't want it destroyed from animals, birds or bugs living in between the roof and wall.

 

[cda]

Welcome

Sounds like you may need a real estate attorney

Is there a property line between the two buildings, shown on your survey??

 

[RLGA]

I am not sure I fully understand the situation, but it does not sound like a building code issue. As cda mentioned, hiring an attorney is probably your best option at the moment to see what you can and cannot do. If the wall is creating a public nuisance by violating property maintenance regulations or is a potential safety hazard, then an attorney may be able to assist you.