Maryland Arts Building Shut Down for Safety Violations

Baltimore officials have shut down the Bell Foundry arts building in the Station North arts and entertainment district for safety violations.

The Baltimore Sun reports officials boarded up the two-story building Monday, evicting dozens of artists from their work spaces.

The closing stemmed from a complaint about conditions in the building, where fire department spokesman Roman Clark says inspectors found no valid permit, unsafe conditions and other violations.

City housing department spokeswoman Tania Baker says the tenants aren’t allowed to use the building until the proper permit is received and the building is up to code.

The Bell Foundry was designated in 2002 as an area for artist work spaces, galleries and studios.

The move comes days after dozens died in a fire at an Oakland, California warehouse.

Information from: The Baltimore Sun