GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Greensboro News & Record building was an icon of downtown. Home to one of the largest newspapers in the state, but now police reports show it's a hot spot for crime.
WFMY News 2 made a public records request for police reports that happened at the old News & Record building over the past year.
The city fulfilled the request and sent us multiple reports made at the building and surrounding area.
A report from Feb. 2, 2023, shows someone tried to break in to commit a crime.
Additionally, on May 9, 2023, a report claims an arson occurred.
Finally, a report from Aug. 2, 2023, cites a homicide investigation. Within the incident report, an officer said he "located a deceased female inside an abandoned building."
While the building may seem abandoned, Downtown Greensboro Inc. President Zack Matheny said it does have an owner.
Matheny said Berkshire Hathaway out of Nebraska bought the building nearly 10 years ago.
Matheny recalled the company shut down the printing facility that was inside the building back in 2017. Since then, the building has been empty.
Matheny said he's disappointed and is trying to get in touch with the building's owners.
"It's become a hub for a lot of things. It's become a hub for bad activity. You've certainly had folks that are trying to live in the facility. We've had our public safety officials called numerous times. I've asked for it, but when you look around, we want to have a downtown of live, work, and play," Matheny continued, "We've got folks living right across the street. This is what they must deal with; if this was in a neighborhood, would that continue? And the answer is no. We've got folks that work right here, if this was right there would it continue? In another neighborhood? The answer is no. So, it's time we get in touch with Berkshire Hathaway and make something happen on this site."
One nearby business owner said he's pleased to know DGI is wanting answers. He said he's disappointed in what the building has become.
"My wife and I invested in this area in 1995. So, when we invested this was a growing thriving busy block that was the News & Record. Since it's closed down over the past four or five years, we've just seen it kind of deteriorate. We've seen it just kind of get overgrown and kind of become an eyesore and a dangerous spot of town," explained downtown business owner, Jay Junj.
Matheny said in recent months the building went out of contract. Therefore, he believes it's up for sale again.
WFMY News 2 tried to contact Berkshire Hathaway to find out what their plans are. We have not heard back yet.