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Topic:  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.

Topic:  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
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Hawaiian Bobcat
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/16/2014 5:39:48 PM 
I lived above the Sundry. I'm thankful Paul wasn't around to see it. That apartment should've be condemned when I lived there (2001). Tons of memories.
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The Optimist
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/16/2014 5:50:24 PM 
Very glad no one was seriously injured. Fires and college are a scary combination.

Some very iconic and popular Athens' establishments were hit here. I hope they all make a comeback.

I've seen crazier things happen.

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cbarber357
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/16/2014 5:52:41 PM 
Lots of businesses on the left side of court down to Washington are closed today. People are very distressed without Chipotle
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perimeterpost
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/16/2014 5:53:36 PM 
the Post said those buildings were built in 1900. Lots of history in those old walls.

MY STATE. MY TEAM.
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MedinaCat
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/16/2014 6:36:22 PM 
OUVan wrote:
Alan Swank wrote:


The two fires in the 80's were down where the old Cats Den was on Court Street across from the diner. The other is where Carpenter Hardware was on Court across from the old Varsity Theater.


Was the first one above the Belk's fire? That was quite the spectacle. I believe that was 1982. I remember the car parked in front getting pancaked when the façade came crashing down.


Yes, the Belk's fire in '82 burned out the Cats Den next door. My fear with this fire, beyond the personal loss suffered by the tenants and businesses, is that it will result in the affected structures being bulldozed and become a vacant/parking lot much like the footprint that was once Belk's.
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Alan Swank
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/16/2014 6:39:02 PM 
MedinaCat wrote:
OUVan wrote:
Alan Swank wrote:


The two fires in the 80's were down where the old Cats Den was on Court Street across from the diner. The other is where Carpenter Hardware was on Court across from the old Varsity Theater.


Was the first one above the Belk's fire? That was quite the spectacle. I believe that was 1982. I remember the car parked in front getting pancaked when the façade came crashing down.


Yes, the Belk's fire in '82 burned out the Cats Den next door. My fear with this fire, beyond the personal loss suffered by the tenants and businesses, is that it will result in the affected structures being bulldozed and become a vacant/parking lot much like the footprint that was once Belk's.


i don't think we'll have that problem in that these were all local businesses with buildings owned by local folks as opposed to a national chain.
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west side cat
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/16/2014 7:06:37 PM 
How fortunate that a fire of that magnitude, in the middle of the night, claimed no lives. Unbelievable. Thank God. In Jackie O's though, it did claim part of my favorite place when I come to town. Hopefully all of the students, firemen and police involved, along with the businesses, make a complete recovery.
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Fosslaw
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/16/2014 7:23:12 PM 
It saddened me to learn this morning that this fire had devestated so many of the businesses and structures that I patronized and walked by over 45 years ago, almost daily, during my four years at OHIO. This tears at the very soul of a town. A similar fire destroyed the Emmitt House in Waverly earlier this year, leaving a huge gaping hole where the 160 year old building once stood. For months, there has been talk of rebuilding something similar, but as time passes that is becoming an unlikely prospect. After reading the comments on here, I have a sentimental desire to once again see a newer, better Union establishment rise up on the same site where, in the late '60s, I purchased a considerable quantity of 3.2% beer in my late teens. Or, a modern Sundry store with a replacement poster of a young Paul Newman, proudly wearing his OHIO t-shirt. Unfortunately, like the barber shop that also once stood along that stretch of the sidewalk, where long ago I regularly got my college haircuts, those businesses are unlikely to ever be there again. The economic realities set in. Well intended plans fall through. Reluctantly, I concede that if the powers that be should see fit to do so, it is probably best to now, and soon, begin to lay the groundwork for repurposing these properties to their highest and best use. That is probably something under the auspices of the cornerstone of this town, Ohio University. In their infinite wisdom, and assuming they can acquire the properties, they can decide what the new purpose should be, whether student residences, administrative offices, academic facilities, recreational, or otherwise. But please, no parking lot. And make whatever is built blend in aesthetically with OHIO's beautiful downtown campus and Athens' commercial district's history! My thoughts and prayers go out to the first responders, the students, and the owners, occupants and employees harmed by this tragedy.
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perimeterpost
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/16/2014 8:33:39 PM 
interactive before and after photo from the Post:

http://www.thepostathens.com/multimedia/html_102279be-6dd...

MY STATE. MY TEAM.
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OhioStunter
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/16/2014 9:43:00 PM 
This could have been much, much worse. Kudos to the first responders who evacuated people and got them to safety. And to the firefighters from Athens and surrounding areas who kept this from spreading further than it did.

It's easy to take for granted in a bigger city how much fire equipment and manpower is available, but in rural areas like Athens where seconds count, these folks did a heroic job...
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Monroe Slavin
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 1:24:38 AM 
Fosslaw wrote:
It saddened me to learn this morning that this fire had devestated so many of the businesses and structures that I patronized and walked by over 45 years ago, almost daily, during my four years at OHIO. This tears at the very soul of a town. A similar fire destroyed the Emmitt House in Waverly earlier this year, leaving a huge gaping hole where the 160 year old building once stood. For months, there has been talk of rebuilding something similar, but as time passes that is becoming an unlikely prospect. After reading the comments on here, I have a sentimental desire to once again see a newer, better Union establishment rise up on the same site where, in the late '60s, I purchased a considerable quantity of 3.2% beer in my late teens. Or, a modern Sundry store with a replacement poster of a young Paul Newman, proudly wearing his OHIO t-shirt. Unfortunately, like the barber shop that also once stood along that stretch of the sidewalk, where long ago I regularly got my college haircuts, those businesses are unlikely to ever be there again. The economic realities set in. Well intended plans fall through. Reluctantly, I concede that if the powers that be should see fit to do so, it is probably best to now, and soon, begin to lay the groundwork for repurposing these properties to their highest and best use. That is probably something under the auspices of the cornerstone of this town, Ohio University. In their infinite wisdom, and assuming they can acquire the properties, they can decide what the new purpose should be, whether student residences, administrative offices, academic facilities, recreational, or otherwise. But please, no parking lot. And make whatever is built blend in aesthetically with OHIO's beautiful downtown campus and Athens' commercial district's history! My thoughts and prayers go out to the first responders, the students, and the owners, occupants and employees harmed by this tragedy.


Very fine post.

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bobcatinmichigan
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 2:27:20 AM 
That's interesting, considering I lived above the Sundry (by myself) 2001-2002, and there was only one apartment above the Sundry. I wonder how I missed you. You couldnt have been there but perhaps one or 2 months in the beginning of 01.

If early reports are correct that it starTed in my old apartment (14 1/2 A), I would be interested to see the full report. That apartment in no way shape or form met fire codes at that time. It might IR might not have changed, I canot testify to that. Inadequate heating an an odd layout contributed to the need for space heaters, and it was complete run down dump.
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perimeterpost
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 8:32:10 AM 
bobcatinmichigan wrote:
That's interesting, considering I lived above the Sundry (by myself) 2001-2002, and there was only one apartment above the Sundry. I wonder how I missed you. You couldnt have been there but perhaps one or 2 months in the beginning of 01.

If early reports are correct that it starTed in my old apartment (14 1/2 A), I would be interested to see the full report. That apartment in no way shape or form met fire codes at that time. It might IR might not have changed, I canot testify to that. Inadequate heating an an odd layout contributed to the need for space heaters, and it was complete run down dump.


made me think of a Seinfeld episode I saw recently, Kramer is trying to get the gang to support a "Mom and Pop" store in the neighborhood that repairs shoes because they are getting run out of business by big corporate competitors and Kramer thinks its important for the neighborhood to support local businesses.

While taking Jerry's sneakers in to be cleaned Kramer notices loose electrical wires hanging from the ceiling and says they need to get that fixed. The old couple says its been like that for 40 years but agree to call someone to take a look at it. The inspector then comes and tells them their store isn't up to code and that they can't open it again until they fix it.

The couple doesn't have the funds to get their shop up to code so after 40 years in business they are forced to close, not because of corporate competition, but because of Kramer. Hilarity ensues.

I'm afraid a lot of of the buildings in and around Court St., and probably many of the houses off campus, fall into the same catch-22 that the Mom and Pop shoe store were in, ticking time bombs of disrepair that if forced to be brought up to code would be shut down for good.

MY STATE. MY TEAM.
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bobcatsquared
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 8:55:28 AM 
And Kramer wouldn't have even noticed the loose (or is it lose?) electrical wires if not for a nose bleed.
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JSF
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 11:46:10 AM 
This was all anyone was talking about yesterday. I think, for alumni of most schools, it would be a fleeting thought if they even hard about it at all. But Bobcats were heartbroken and immediately asked, "What can I do?" Bobcat Nation is a warm, loving place. Honored to be a part of it.

"Loyalty to a hometown or city is fleeting and interchangeable, but college is a stamp of identity."- Kyle Whelliston, One Beautiful Season.

My blog about depression and mental illness: https://bit.ly/3buGXH8

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87OU Alum
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 12:19:18 PM 
Just so Happy to hear that there were no fatalities or serious injuries.

Bricks, Mortar, and "stuff" can be replaced.

I'm sure that the university community will rally behind those who were displaced....that needs to be the primary focus at this point. I have read alot over the last couple days and am proud to see this happening.

We are all forever One Bobcat Family.
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cbarber357
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 12:24:52 PM 
JSF wrote:
This was all anyone was talking about yesterday. I think, for alumni of most schools, it would be a fleeting thought if they even hard about it at all. But Bobcats were heartbroken and immediately asked, "What can I do?" Bobcat Nation is a warm, loving place. Honored to be a part of it.

From what I heard they actually got too many physical donations yesterday
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OU_Country
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 12:52:52 PM 
west side cat wrote:
How fortunate that a fire of that magnitude, in the middle of the night, claimed no lives. Unbelievable. Thank God. In Jackie O's though, it did claim part of my favorite place when I come to town. Hopefully all of the students, firemen and police involved, along with the businesses, make a complete recovery.



This is so true. It's fortunate everyone asleep in those apartments was able to get out before it got really bad.


Alan Swank wrote:
MedinaCat wrote:
OUVan wrote:
Alan Swank wrote:


The two fires in the 80's were down where the old Cats Den was on Court Street across from the diner. The other is where Carpenter Hardware was on Court across from the old Varsity Theater.


Was the first one above the Belk's fire? That was quite the spectacle. I believe that was 1982. I remember the car parked in front getting pancaked when the façade came crashing down.


Yes, the Belk's fire in '82 burned out the Cats Den next door. My fear with this fire, beyond the personal loss suffered by the tenants and businesses, is that it will result in the affected structures being bulldozed and become a vacant/parking lot much like the footprint that was once Belk's.


i don't think we'll have that problem in that these were all local businesses with buildings owned by local folks as opposed to a national chain.


One of them, in Jackie O's, seems to be a thriving business that will have the opportunity to reshape a bit of it's "Public House" location. I hope The Union is able to rebound as well. I know little about the other affected businesses, but do hold similar memories of The Sundry as others mentioned.


It's a strange feeling to have finished up lunch at Jackie O's on Saturday around 1:30pm, and wake up the next morning to hear of this, and that you were one of the last that will have lunch there for awhile. I'll look forward to the first opportunity to go back there when they've rebuilt and repaired. It's the best pregame bar before/after basketball games for me.



JSF wrote:
This was all anyone was talking about yesterday. I think, for alumni of most schools, it would be a fleeting thought if they even hard about it at all. But Bobcats were heartbroken and immediately asked, "What can I do?" Bobcat Nation is a warm, loving place. Honored to be a part of it.


Indeed, it's something to be proud of. I've had many folks that graduated from other places that are impressed with the passion many of us have for Ohio University.
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Bobcatbob
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 2:03:36 PM 
ozarkcat wrote:
... Taking over Union seems to be sensible. Bars/restaurants etc. can still be built on the edges.


Here's the thing. That which makes Athens Athens is that the University and the town smack directly into one another at Court and Union.

I don't want to see that end and I don't want to see the University build some multi-purpose, committee designed, generic piece of faux Georgian public space that close to College Green. More importantly, look just to the West(?) and see that whatever Bromley/College Inn is called now is an eyesore. Yes, it was a private building once and look what a high density ethos brought us.

If we're lucky, Athens city planners will be all over this and recognize the need for historical and architectural integrity.
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OU_Country
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 2:20:44 PM 
Bobcatbob wrote:


If we're lucky, Athens city planners will be all over this and recognize the need for historical and architectural integrity.



+1


Not only that, but I'm hopeful that more of these buildings have some inspections done on the electrical within them with the hope of avoiding electrical fires. (I think that's what has been confirmed as the cause, right?
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Hawaiian Bobcat
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 3:11:07 PM 
bobcatinmichigan wrote:
That's interesting, considering I lived above the Sundry (by myself) 2001-2002, and there was only one apartment above the Sundry. I wonder how I missed you. You couldnt have been there but perhaps one or 2 months in the beginning of 01.

If early reports are correct that it starTed in my old apartment (14 1/2 A), I would be interested to see the full report. That apartment in no way shape or form met fire codes at that time. It might IR might not have changed, I canot testify to that. Inadequate heating an an odd layout contributed to the need for space heaters, and it was complete run down dump.


2000-2001. Thanks for essentially calling me a liar. The kitchen was a hideous blue. The bedrooms had ladders in them in case of a fire. I thought a guy named Shannon took it over after me that worked at kinkos. Paul let us tap off his cable.
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BillyTheCat
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/17/2014 6:18:26 PM 
Alan Swank wrote:
MedinaCat wrote:
OUVan wrote:
Alan Swank wrote:


The two fires in the 80's were down where the old Cats Den was on Court Street across from the diner. The other is where Carpenter Hardware was on Court across from the old Varsity Theater.


Was the first one above the Belk's fire? That was quite the spectacle. I believe that was 1982. I remember the car parked in front getting pancaked when the façade came crashing down.


Yes, the Belk's fire in '82 burned out the Cats Den next door. My fear with this fire, beyond the personal loss suffered by the tenants and businesses, is that it will result in the affected structures being bulldozed and become a vacant/parking lot much like the footprint that was once Belk's.


i don't think we'll have that problem in that these were all local businesses with buildings owned by local folks as opposed to a national chain.


Agreed the guys who own these buildings, will definitely rebuild and do so in a way that is more profitable and tasteful.
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A-townBound
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/18/2014 8:40:45 AM 
Good Stuff from the A-News yesterday -

The Union will make a return! Co-owner of The Union Andrew Studniarz in a shared post to The Union's Facebook page, a little while ago:

“There has been much speculation as to what the future will hold for The Union and while there are many details to be worked out, I can assure each and every one of you that The Union will be open again for business as soon as humanly possible. Tomorrow we will meet with the structural engineers to determine what, if anything, can be salvaged. We will then meet with the architect, begin clean up and start with the construction. It will take time but I can assure you The Union will once again open its doors as one of this city's premiere live music venues."

Last Edited: 11/18/2014 8:41:15 AM by A-townBound

Bleed Green and GO OHIO!!
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OUBobcat13
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Location: Cincinnati, OH
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/18/2014 12:06:12 PM 
I'm sure I am breaking a posting policy of some sort, but here is a link to a gofundme fundraiser to help those who are out of work due to the fire. I haven't confirmed the validity, but a few businesses as well as the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce have donated, so I trust it.

http://www.gofundme.com/athensfire
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giacomo
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  Message Not Read  RE: OT: Fire on Union St.
   Posted: 11/18/2014 5:45:12 PM 
Right on target, Bobcatbob. Fosslaw mentioned "highest and best use". That is just another phrase for national chains that look like everyplace else. Uptown Athens is only a shell of it's former self, that began deteriorating when the WallMart sprawl began. Many of you remember what a vibrant place uptown was and when I walk there now it makes me sad. It's not unlike a million other small towns, but let's try to keep some of the old stuff around.
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