The fire-damaged loading docks at the former home of Buddy's Produce, 1307 SW 2, are set to be torn down. [Photo by Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman]

After multiple fires and years of neglect at the former home of Buddy's Produce, the Oklahoma City Council on Tuesday declared the site dilapidated, hoping they might force the owner to either fix it or sell it to someone who will.

But the owner said he was waiting for the city council to take such action so he can proceed with demolition without getting approval from the Riverfront Design Review Committee.

The brick warehouse at 1307 SW 2, built in 1950, was abandoned by Buddy's Produce about a decade ago when the company moved to a former beer distribution warehouse in Midwest City. The building was declared a total loss after it caught fire in 2013. One of 50 firefighters who battled the blaze was injured as the south wall fell on him.

No repairs were made after the blaze, and more damage was inflicted during another fire last month.