Equipment from Bosley Construction sits at 1301 Avery St. where a former church building was torn down this week after city officials deemed it unsafe. The building was acquired via eminent domain for $25,000 and demolished at a cost of $114,000. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

PARKERSBURG — A dilapidated former church building that stood for nearly 120 years was razed this week after being acquired by the Parkersburg Urban Renewal Authority via eminent domain.

The authority, consisting of all nine members of Parkersburg City Council, voted unanimously in January to acquire the building for the fair market value of $25,000. Development Director Ryan Barber said at the time that the owner had tried unsuccessfully to sell it privately.

The process was completed and the city took possession of the property in October.

“Upon inspection by the engineer (and) code personnel, it was deemed unfit and unsafe,” Mayor Tom Joyce said Thursday.

Parkersburg Fire Chief Jason Matthews deemed it a hazard to the public and fire personnel as well.

The former Calvary Baptist Church building is seen in 2017. (Photo by Terry L. Estep)

The demolition, performed by Bosley Construction,started on Tuesday, city Engineer Adam Stout said. Barber said the cost was $114,000.

The structure was built in 1906 and was originally called the Calvary Baptist Church. In later years, it served as a framing studio and apartments but had long been vacant.

Like other Urban Renewal Authority properties, it is available for purchase, Barber said.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com