Flood-damaged One Parkway building closed through weekend

After flooding shut down a major Philadelphia city building Wednesday, it will remain closed through the weekend.It’s something many homeowners have dealt with, but a failed hot water heater is a big headache for the city of Philadelphia. The resulting flood shut down the elevators at the One Parkway building at 1515 Arch St. It houses a number of city offices and approximately 1,000 city workers.

“If One Parkway is your worksite, city employees should check with their supervisors regarding their essential status and for reporting instructions,” Mayor Michael Nutter said Wednesday afternoon. “We’re going to work through the weekend if necessary to make sure the building is safe and operational.”Damage in the 18-story building was extensive, Nutter said.

“There was significant amount of water in the building in the basement area. It flooded the elevators and affected the mechanical systems,” Nutter said.

No estimate on the cost of damages was available late Wednesday.

The building is the home for the department of Human Services among other city agencies. It already had been scheduled to be closed for Good Friday.