This manuscript identifies the variation of the dynamic characteristics of an instrumented reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure, which is damaged by the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake. The records from four earthquake events, including three moderate events before 1999 and the significant Chi-Chi earthquake, are collected and used in this study. The deconvolution interferometry is used to identify the shear wave velocity and damping ratio in the building, and the transfer function is used to identify the fundamental frequency of the building. The results indicate that the identified dynamic characteristics of the building under the three earthquakes before 1999 share similar values, indicating that there is no damage induced by these events. However, after the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, the shear wave velocity is decreased with the level from 30% to 40%, and fundamental frequency is decreased with the level from 41% to 55%. Meanwhile, the damping ratio is increased by this earthquake with the level from 58% to 91%, indicating that there is clear damage occurred in the building. Moreover, the comparison of the shear wave velocity profile with the height of the building indicates that the damage occurred in the lower part of the building, meaning that deconvolution interferometry can be used to identify the damage location once the sensors are enough in the building. • The seismic damage of a building is detected with deconvolution interferometry. • Shear wave velocity is decreased by Chi-Chi earthquake with the level of 30%–40%. • Fundamental frequency is decreased by Chi-Chi earthquake with the level of 41%–55%. • Damping ratio is increased by Chi-Chi earthquake with the level from 58% to 91%. • Damage location in the building can be identified by deconvolution interferometry.