Judge orders Northridge Mall can be demolished

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee officials' plan to demolish the former Northridge Mall is moving forward. 

A Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge sided with the city on Wednesday, May 13, saying the mall was dangerous. The judge ordered the buildings to be demolished immediately by the owner, Black Spruce Enterprise Group.

Last year, Victor Diaz died after he was electrocuted while he was working on mall property. 

Attorneys for the building owners argued it didn't happen inside the mall. 

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement on the ruling: 

"I am very pleased that we have reached this point in the process. The dilapidated former mall had become a hazard, a threat to the health and safety of people in the immediate vicinity.

I appreciate all the efforts of city departments and the City Attorney’s office to bring this court case to a conclusion.

The Northridge Mall site has great potential, and I am hopeful that potential can be realized in the not-too-distant future.”