Future of Draper homes surrounding the recent collapse looks brighter

DRAPER, Utah — Leftover debris from two homes, that collapsed in Draper last weekend, will be demolished today.

Draper City Mayor Troy Walker said the fate of the homes on either side is looking brighter. That said, the two homes are still condemned. 

“The engineers are saying that the [home] to the east they think is on pretty solid ground and they think most of this home is and they can sure up what’s not.”

Walker further said they are continuing to investigate what exactly caused the ground to give way.

The sidewalk near the collapse has been blocked off after reports of people getting too close to the ledge. Walker said he is receiving reports of people actually trying to pick out debris.

Those who do will be cited without warning.

For people like Tim Beery, who lives a few homes down from those demolished, there is still fear surrounding the situation. 

“We’re fairly confident, but you do worry,” said Beery who has lived in his home since 2021. “You see that right across the street and it is alarming.” 

William Pelick was staying with his son-in-law the night the two houses slid into the ravine. 

“I was woken up from the noise,” said Pelick. I saw flashing lights and looked out the window and I saw the white house partially gone and it wasn’t 10 to 15 minutes after that, the blue house fell.”

Further, Walker says Edge Homes would like the site to be a place of remembrance. 

“There is no intention to rebuild homes here. So when we get it all cleaned up, what Mr. Maddox from Edge [homes] told me is he wants to build something that’s a public infrastructure place for looking at the view, a place for the public to gather,” he said.

Draper City is warning people not to go too close to the ledge. 

Related reading:

• Two homes collapse in Draper City after being evacuated in 2022
• The benefits and challenges of building a home on the mountainside
• Developer faces neighbors near Draper home collapse during community meeting