A recent partial roof collapse at the long-neglected Silk Mill property in Jim Thorpe Borough comes in the wake of borough enforcement efforts and a court judgment against the building’s out-of-state owner, according to borough officials and court records.

“A pretty good portion of the roof caved in not too long ago,” Borough Manager Maureen Sterner said of the 52 E. Fifth St. property.

Jingwen Li, who purchased the building in late 2018 for $219,000, owns the property, according to county records. Borough officials described Li as an out-of-state owner.

Jim Thorpe Borough filed a civil complaint against Li on April 18, 2024, following ongoing code enforcement issues related to the property’s deterioration. A civil action hearing was scheduled for May 22 before Magisterial District Judge Eric M. Schrantz.

“We’ve gone through the enforcement process and taken the owner to court,” Sterner said.

Li did not appear for the hearing, and the court entered a default judgment in favor of the borough on May 22, according to court records. The judgment totaled $617.25, including a $500 civil judgment and $117.25 in court costs. The case is listed as closed.

“The owner did not show up, and they were found guilty,” Sterner said.

Borough officials said the failure to appear has led to additional legal consequences.

“My understanding is that there is a warrant out for the arrest because the owner did not show up,” Sterner said.

Desiderius George Dery constructed the Silk Mill in 1888. The Amalgamated Silk Company purchased the mill in 1924. In December 1929, the facility was acquired by Louis and Samuel Zaleshitz, who established the S. Zaleshitz Company.

During the 1960s, the plant employed 250 people and produced fabrics for draperies, dresses, and linings. The S. Zaleshitz Company operated three shifts until the mill closed in 1980 due to aging machinery and high operating costs.

Recent redevelopment efforts began in 2005 under Alexander Spivak and later Auburn Station Realty in 2007, though both projects faced financing challenges.

Despite the roof collapse, officials said the property remains secured.

“As far as I know, the fencing is still up and the property is secured,” Sterner added. “Our plan is to continue issuing notices of violation.”