What is there in that building? vs. What is in that building?

[Uncanny]

Do we need to place "there" in the question in this conversation:
- The whole town lives in this building, it's their city.
- What is (there) in that building?
- Their grocery store, gym, police station, post office, school, mayor's office, etc.

 

[emsr2d2]

Do we need to place "there" in the question in this conversation?

- The whole town lives in this building; it's their city.
- What is (there) in that building?
- Their A grocery store, gym, police station, post office, school, the mayor's office, etc.

No, "there" is incorrect in that question. Note that the opening line is strange. A whole town (the entire population) can't possibly live in one building. People live in houses, flats etc. Also, a building that houses a grocery store, gym, police station, post office, school and the mayor's office would be ridiculously huge! I don't think it's what you mean at all but I can't work out what you do mean.

 

[Uncanny]

 

[emsr2d2]

It would have been very helpful if you'd put that picture in post #1. Also, whenever you quote someone else's words (the first line of the conversation you wrote), you must provide the source. It's a legal requirement.

I'm staggered that all those things are in that one building but now that I know it's in Alaska, it makes a bit more sense. Presumably it gets so cold in winter, it's great not to have to go outdoors to get between the places you need to go.