PORT HURON, Mich. – Part of the historic old Sperry department store building came crashing to the street in Port Huron on Sunday night.
It wasn't the work of heavy storms that blew through the area. It was a simulated U.S. Army military assault in the early morning hours that became a little too real.
It started off without a hitch: two unarmed Black Hawk helicopters come in from the east, make a precision landing and two units disembark and do a simulated search for the enemy.
However, when the chopper's rotor wash hit the building's upper facade, a 5-foot-high section of brick from one end of the roofline to the other came crashing down to the awning below, buckling it and shattering the old department store's windows.
"There's no structural damage. The U.S. Army says it's their responsibility and they'll pay for it," said Larry Jones, of Sperry Landmark Inc.
There were no injuries and the choppers were undamaged.
The Army also had maneuvers at the old school administration building. The police department notified residents last week and went door-to-door Sunday night in the surrounding area, but there were still complaints.
"There are some people worried about the damage in the downtown area. But the overwhelming issue is concern about the government and those kinds of activities in a downtown area," said Port Huron Police Chief Michael Reaves.
But the chief and the military say these drills help make troopers safer and more effective when they deploy.
"It allows us to train in an urban environment that is similar to urban environments they will face in overseas deployments," said Maj. Rendee Farrell, U.S. Army.
Some residents visiting the site say they're proud their town was chosen.
Developers intend to turn the old department store into a multiplex entertainment center.
Repairs start on Tuesday. They are saving the brick and the metal sheeting for the renovations and hope to have the multiplex open by the holidays. The owner says if this helps jump-start grant approvals from the government, then it's a blessing in disguise.
Chief Reaves said the drills did not risk public safety. Troops were using simulated ammunition and all impacted by future drills have been notified.
The Army drills will continue in and around Saint Clair County through Friday, but no more are scheduled for downtown Port Huron.