The former American Museum of Science and Energy building on South Tulane Avenue was recently vandalized, and it will cost the City of Oak Ridge several thousand dollars to re-secure the building, authorities said Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge/Oak Ridge Police Department)
The former American Museum of Science and Energy building on South Tulane Avenue was recently vandalized, and it will cost the City of Oak Ridge several thousand dollars to re-secure the building, authorities said Thursday.
The vandalism was reported at about 9:19 p.m. Tuesday, when a person saw a broken window at the former AMSE, the Oak Ridge Police Department said.
“When officers arrived, they discovered the interior and exterior of the vacant building, which is owned by the City of Oak Ridge government, had been damaged during a recent break-in,” the ORPD said.
Although the building is slated for future demolition, the city estimated that it will cost about $3,750 to re-secure the building.
The city and Oak Ridge Police Department would like to remind everyone that the upper and rear parking lots of the former AMSE site as well as the property immediately surrounding the building are all closed to the public, the ORPD said in a statement.
Public Works Department crews are working to board up the broken glass and install more signs now, the statement said.
The investigation is ongoing, and no more information will be released at this time, the ORPD said.
Residents are asked to immediately alert the police department if they see any suspicious activity in the area by calling (865) 425-4399.
AMSE has moved across the street to renovated space near JCPenney at Main Street Oak Ridge, and the new museum had a grand opening in October.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
The former American Museum of Science and Energy building on South Tulane Avenue was recently vandalized, and it will cost the City of Oak Ridge several thousand dollars to re-secure the building, authorities said Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge/Oak Ridge Police Department)
The former American Museum of Science and Energy building on South Tulane Avenue was recently vandalized, and it will cost the City of Oak Ridge several thousand dollars to re-secure the building, authorities said Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge/Oak Ridge Police Department)
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