The Vicksburg Board of Architectural Review on Tuesday OK’d the demolition of a Cherry Street office building that was gutted by fire on Jan. 9.

Jamal Khouri, owner of the Khouri Executive Plaza at 1209 Cherry St., told the board he cannot afford to rebuild due to the economy. With little discussion, the board agreed it had no basis to deny the application, as the building, while on the site of the former Anshe Chesed Congregation’s synagogue, has no historical or architectural significance.

“It is difficult because it is a very attractive building, but… we really don’t have any jurisdiction at all,” said Betty Bullard.

The board voted 5-0, with members Bullard, Tom Pharr, Charlie Gholson, Toni Lanford-Ferguson and Dorwin Shields present.

Police said burglars set the building ablaze in the early morning hours of Jan. 9 after breaking in through a window and ransacking office spaces.