After roof collapse, Miller Hill Mall remains closed

A partial roof collapse at the Miller Hill Mall will keep the building closed for at least another day.

In a statement from Miller Hill Mall, “we are grateful there were no injuries as result of a portion of the roof collapsing and for the swift actions of the first responders. Miller Hill Mall will be closed through at least Thursday, March 16, but we are diligently working on a phased opening plan. We will share an update on our website when the property is reopened.”

The collapse happened around 9:00am Tuesday morning. There were people inside the building, but authorities say everyone has been accounted for and no injuries were reported.

Mall staff who spoke with WDIO reported hearing loud noises coming from the roof, smelled gas, and found water flooding into other parts of the building.

Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj told WDIO Tuesday that a crew had been clearing snow off the roof that morning, but got off when they hard some popping noises. Krizaj said they will be working with structural engineers to assess the building. But any other details would be released by Simon Properties, the owner of the mall.

As of Wednesday afternoon, we have not seen a statement from Simon Properties.

Essentia Health says their facilities at the Mall will remain closed, and that they are working with patients to reschedule appointments.

The St. Louis County Auditor’s Service Center, normally located at the Miller Hill Mall, says they have set up temporary operations at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth. Services will be offered in the Auditor’s Office on the second floor of the courthouse until they are able to safely return to the Mall location. For now, staff are able to provide: motor vehicle titles, tabs and plates; DNR transactions; and property tax payments. Drivers license and passport services are currently not available.