By that day, the property owner must have an approved plan in place to remedy the issues that prompted Ogden officials to order a halt to construction on March 29, more than six months ago. Failing at that, a Sept. 26 city order would go into effect calling for demolition of the incomplete, five-story structure, according to Jared Johnson, Ogden’s building services manager.

Johnson said earlier this week that city officials reviewed a plan put forward by Summa Terra Ventures to remedy the problems — notably, use of insufficiently fireproof wood framing —  and returned it with comments so their lingering concerns could be addressed. The earlier deadline called for creation of an acceptable solution by Oct. 11, but he said that was extended five days to Oct. 16 to reconcile conflicting deadlines stipulated by different city code provisions.

Ogden fire officials have deemed the structure at 144 25th St. a “significant fire hazard,” according to the Sept. 26 order, stemming from use of the improper lumber. Summa Terra Ventures has blamed construction contractor Makers Line, saying the firm made the call to use the wood in question despite provisions of the contract for the work calling for properly treated lumber. At any rate, Summa Terra Ventures Chief Executive Officer Mike Watson has expressed confidence an acceptable plan of action will be reached, allowing for completion of the 25th Street building.

The building has been a focus of discussion among city officials and many residents, worried about the fire threat and, if a blaze occurs, the potential threat to adjacent structures in the area, a hub of restaurants and bars. It even came up at a candidate forum on Thursday attended by three Ogden City Council hopefuls and one mayoral candidate.

“That is going to be a good-looking building. It fell within design code,” notwithstanding the later discovery that improper materials were used, said Dave Graf. He’s a member of the Ogden Planning Commission and a candidate for the District 4 Ogden City Council seat.

The apparent fix involves enhancing the fire-suppression system planned for the building and adding “fireproof materials” to existing lumber. One of the lingering issues, Graf said, will be making sure the structure can sustain the extra weight created by the fixes.

Steve Van Wagoner, the other District 4 City Council hopeful, said the situation merits review of other projects completed by the same developer. Similar issues emerged in construction of an apartment building at 407 W. 12th St., also involving Summa Terra Ventures and Makers Line, though the developer crafted a fix that received the green light from the city.

“We need to make sure that those are on par with safety parameters that we need to meet in our community,” Van Wagoner said. Applicable construction codes, he added, “are in place for a reason.”

Ben Nadolski, seeking the mayor’s post, said the plans for the building went through the proper channels. The problems are the responsibility of the developer and builder and the city shouldn’t be liable, he said.

“If it’s not going to be done right, they have to be held accountable,” Nadolski said.

Levi Andersen, running for an at-large City Council seat, said the situation makes him think the city needs to take another look how builders are vetted.

When developers make missteps “they should be held accountable and they should cover the costs, not the city,” he said. If the 25th Street building has to be taken down, he went on, the developer should cover the cost.