Residents of 527 E. Lincoln Way will not be able to return to their homes after the fire May 28 because the building has been closed by city officials.

The apartment complex was closed due to a non-conforming use of zoning codes, said Jeff Pearson, building official for the city of Ames.

The building is zoned for commercial use, but was in residential use until part of the complex caught on fire, Pearson said.

The fire also played a contributing factor, Pearson said. The damage assessed was over 70 percent of the building’s value. The owner, Walid Hawana, must get a special use permit from the zoning board of adjustment for the damaged building to be rebuilt.

The same day as the fire, city officials informed residents the building was closed, resident Don Simmons, 42, said.

Simmons said he was told it would be at least 4—6 weeks until he could reoccupy his home.

He was upset when informed of the closing, Simmons said.

“There’s nothing wrong with the apartment,” he said. “I’ve lived there for 11 years.”

Arlene Beal, manager of the complex, said the fire marshall came by after the fire and stuck notes on tenants’ doors.

The situation has caused hardship both on Hawana and herself, Beal said.

Carlos Bentley, 48, was a resident in the complex. He said he does not plan on moving back to the complex and is looking at other housing options.

“I already got insight the building will never open again,” he said.

Simmons said he will return to his apartment if possible.

“If he can rebuild the building I’d go back again,” Simmons said. “I like the neighborhood, it’s nice and quiet.”

— P. Kim Bui