A fire broke out in a building between Heritage Behavioral Health Center and the Lincoln Square Theater Wednesday morning.
Although the damage to the building wasn't severe, those who own the property say the fire is a wake-up call and gives them insight on what it's like to be a part of the down town community.
The building, which is located at 145 North Main Street, has been vacant for quite a while now.
"We've owned the building for a little over a year. We've been meeting with architects and design people, going through there doing a little bit of demo work, just getting ready for the big build. Which we are getting ready to start hopeful in the next six months or so," says Jeff Watts, Senior Pastor of Renaissance Church.
The church owns the building and has plans to turn it into their main office area.
The fire has left surrounding business owners feeling grateful.
"It's our 100th anniversary and you know to see this... At first, it’s a big shock because the theater is known for a little bit of bad luck, so we've managed to luck out on this one," explains Adam White, President of Operations at the Lincoln Square Theater.
The owners of the building don’t think the fire will set them back as far as renovations. However, it gives the church perspective on what it's like to be a part of the downtown community.
"I don't think this is going to set us back too much, but it was a really big wake-up call to being a part of a downtown community. If one building, you know, catches fire it could go to the next building. In fact, when I first heard this morning, I didn't know if it was our building or the Lincoln Theater," Watts adds.
The damage from the fire was estimated at around $500, and although having the church’s located downtown is more expensive, it's something the church is adamant on continuing.
"We suspect it will be over a 1 million dollars just to renovate that building, and most people would run from that kind of project but we desperately want to stay downtown.”
The origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation.
A total of 26 Fire Fighters responded to the blaze, and no injuries were reported. However, Heritage Behavioral Health Center had to evacuate due to high carbon monoxide levels.
