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2665 N. 11th St. -
Lack of power and security results in four break-ins in less than a week’s time at 2665 N. 11th St.
Situated in the bustling area of North 11th Street near Delaware that serves as a gateway to I-10 access sits 2665 N. 11th Street, the still unfinished and unused facility that has stood dormant for years in the face of setback after setback.
Originally owned and developed by Mainstreet Property Group/MS Beaumont LLC, the 48,000 sqft property valued at over $9.5 million went through foreclosure in 2019.
Owned by Todd Harmon of Beaumont Post-Acute LLC since November 2022, the facility most recently faced setbacks during an attempt to change its electrical services. Despite plans to open the venue this year, recent developments have turned a spotlight on the property due to a surge in criminal activities occurring much to the chagrin of the property owner and developer.
The city of Beaumont mandate required a reinspection process which subsequently led to the disconnection of the meter on Jan. 3. Michael Depew, the owner of TCS Consulting in Beaumont, responsible for providing security for the 2665 N. 11th Street property since 2019, revealed the consequences of the power outage.
“We had four break-ins within a week of losing power to the building, as there was no longer a functional security system,” Depew explained. Although exceptionally costly this go-around, Depew further added that break-ins at the unoccupied property are not uncommon. “On average, we remove 10-15 individuals from that building each year.”
The aftermath of the infiltration manifest in the days of no power included damages and stolen property amounting to nearly $40,000, leading to the arrest of multiple individuals.
Depew further emphasized the critical need for electricity to maintain an effective security system. In response to the escalating issues, Depew engaged with the city officials, conveying the urgency to address the situation.
“I told the city of Beaumont that, unless they want to turn their tax-making building into a dump, they are going to have to let us have electricity,” Depew stated.
A temporary pole was installed at the 11th Street property Jan. 22, enabling the generation of power for the security system. This development replaced the cumbersome routine of filling up a generator twice a day and relying on a camera mounted on a utility trailer parked in front of the facility to deter trespassers.
Depew highlighted the positive impact of the temporary electrical solution on securing the building.
“We’ve caught individuals attempting to steal furniture and industrial-grade kitchen equipment,” he said, expressing confidence that enhanced security would remove a significant obstacle to opening the facility.
“Mr. Harmon purchased three of these medical facilities; the other two are already open, and this place is about 95% complete,” added Depew, emphasizing the potential for progress.
The Examiner sought a statement from Harmon, but the out-of-town owner was reported as unavailable as of press time. Despite challenges, the efforts to reinvigorate the 2665 N. 11th Street site in Beaumont are in motion, Depew expressed, with renewed hopes of overcoming obstacles and contributing to the revitalization of the community.