Monday, August 31, 2026

The City of El Reno continues to review its records related to the property located at 801 W. Jensen Road. Upon initial review, it appears that the property was rezoned to Moderate Industrial in January of 2019 by the El Reno City Council after a request from the previous owner of the property to rezone the property. After the property was rezoned, the current property owner, Athlon Blockchain LLC, submitted a Commercial Building Permit Application in October of 2021 to the Community Development Department.

Permits were issued and construction began at the site. However, in June of 2023, the City issued a Stop Work Order, suspending construction at the site due to multiple fire and life safety code violations as well as the expiration of the building and electrical permits that had previously been issued. The property owner was given until December of 2023 to obtain new permits and was advised that operations at the site were suspended until a Certificate of Occupancy could be obtained from the City.

At this time, it is believed, although not yet confirmed, that despite lacking any Certificate of Occupancy, the property owner continued to construct the facility and began operations. Upon discovery of the water leak at the property last week, City staff condemned the property due to multiple fire and life safety code violations, which in addition to the water leak, created a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

The City is reviewing its internal processes to confirm that the necessary controls are in place to ensure that Stop Work Orders are routinely reviewed and addressed. However, the City relies on property owners who operate within the city limits to comply with the City's Stop Work Orders as well as the City's Code of Ordinances and applicable fire, building, and property maintenance codes. As this incident has demonstrated, failure to follow the City's directives and its Code of Ordinances can have catastrophic consequences.

Regardless, the citizens of the City of El Reno can be assured that none of the costs related to the water leak at the property will be passed along to our citizens. The City's legal team stands ready and is preparing to take the necessary legal actions to recoup all costs and expenses related to the water leak from the property owner, including city resources expended in locating and addressing the leak.

Sincerely,

Ken W. Brown-Interim City Manager
City of El Reno