Engineers, architects, and inspectors are still reviewing the structural integrity of the Haymarket Theatre or Huber building after a roof beam broke around 4:30 Thursday afternoon.

Architect Richard Burton, from the Lincoln Building and Safety Department, says he thinks workers on the roof contributed to the collapse with their heavy equipment, breaking the beam "like a toothpick." But he says the damage is repairable.

Burton says he thinks the beam collapse broke a sprinkler line inside, alerting the fire department immediately, and flooding the theatre and shops below.

Julie Zielinski was working in the From Nebraska Gift Shop when the roof collapsed. She says the water started pouring into the southeast corner of the store "like a waterfall," destroying their book display and all of their Husker merchandise.

Burton says it could take a couple of days for the structural engineers to come up with a temporary solution, allowing the tenants back into the building. In the meantime, he says everyone is hoping there is no rain, which could worsen the building's structural integrity.

After the beam collapsed on Thursday, the Huber building was evacuated, and police were called to close the block-long stretch of Q Street and 8th Street, while the hazmat team assessed the situation.

According to Lincoln and Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Leo Benes, hazmat workers were trying to stop a leak near Q Street from 9th to 8th streets.

Nearly three hours after the call came in, construction cones on top of the roof showed signs the roof was caving in.

Russ Bayer of Omaha has owned the building for 12 years and said its been an emotion filled day. "First emotion is thank god, no one got hurt. The second is, I have great empathy for our tenants. Their businesses are closed now for some days. It's a 100-year-old building and we want to get it back so it's usable."

The block will be closed down for a few days while the building is repaired. Authorities say to use caution while in the Haymarket.

Portions of 8th and “Q” streets in the Haymarket will remain closed indefinitely as crews work on the building on the southeast corner of the 8th and “Q” intersection:

• 8th Street is closed from “P” to “Q.”

• “Q” Street is closed from 8th to 9th streets.

• The Haymarket Garage at 9th and “Q” Streets can be accessed from the east only.

• Only the northwest half of the 8th and “Q” intersection is open to traffic.

Those attending the Saturday Haymarket Farmers Market are encouraged to use parking areas south of “P” Street as well as City garages in the area. During the Farmers Market, vehicle access to the Post Office will be from 9th and “R” only.