SHELBY — A raging fire on Wednesday destroyed a recently renovated downtown building the owners planned to use as an events center.
Shelby firefighters responded Wednesday afternoon to a working structure fire burning in downtown Shelby at 54 E. Main St.
Billowing smoke filled the downtown as firefighters began battling the blaze.
Shelby Fire Chief Mike Thompson said in an email Wednesday night the department was called to the East Main Street building at 2:38 p.m. and found a well-advanced, working fire.
Firefighters attempted to make several interior attacks, but made little progress, the chief said.
Around 6 p.m., a portion of the building was being torn down by a backhoe.
“The decision was made to fight the fire from the exterior due to unsafe interior conditions,” Thompson said.
“Ultimately, a backhoe was used to tear down most of the structure to help extinguish fire in multiple hidden voids.”
No injuries were reported to firefighters or the building owners.
Firefighters faced harsh weather conditions
Weather conditions Wednesday were harsh, the chief said, adding equipment freezing was an issue.
“The structure was unoccupied and was used for the storage of construction materials,” Thompson said. “A newly remodeled apartment was upstairs and an event room was downstairs.
“The owner stated that he had started an electric heater 30 minutes before the fire in an attempt to keep the pipes from freezing.”
A large amount of mutual aid was present at the scene, including fire departments from Springfield and Madison townships, as well as the villages of Shiloh and Plymouth.
Thompson thanked the city’s line department, water treatment and police, as well as the street department, which assisted with the backhoe and road salt.
He also thanked the Eagles Club, Red Cross and several local pizza establishments for providing food and drinks for firefighters.
PHOTOS FROM THE SCENE
No one in building at time of fire
Adam and Julie Thornton, owners of the East Main Street building, purchased the property with hopes of offering a central gathering place for the community.
Renovations to the building — planned to be an event center known as The Shelby Hub — had just been completed last week, Julie Thornton said Wednesday.
Adam Thornton said he received a call around 2:40 p.m. that the building was on fire. No one was in the building at the time the blaze began, he said.
According to the Shelby Hub website, the business was “founded with the vision of providing an affordable, versatile and welcoming space for all types of events. Whether it’s a small gathering or a grand celebration, we aim to deliver an exceptional experience tailored to your needs.”
“Our venue is designed to offer flexibility, with customizable packages and a range of add-ons to make your event truly unique,” the website said.
Once the site is ruled safe and the remaining portions of the structure can be demolished, Adam said he hopes to rebuild.
The Thornton’s building was dangerously close to another large structure fire in August 2023, which resulted in the destruction of a commercial property at 50/52 E. Main St.
(Below are video clips and photos from the scene in downtown Shelby on Wednesday afternoon as firefighters battled a blaze at 54 E. Main St.)
