We're told crews are moving forward with the hope of reopening in 2026.
Smoke and flames filled the air on that cold January night as firefighters battled the blaze for more than 20 hours. The heat of the fire collided with the freezing temperatures outside, creating a dangerous scene for crews working to bring the fire under control.
“Fire trucks with ladders were there to fight this fire and some of them started to slide because as soon as they put the water out it was freezing cold,” said Eric Elmi, chief building officer for Cleveland Heights.
Although the building had sprinklers at the time of the fire, the cold temperatures prevented water from being discharged into the system, Elmi said.
By the time the flames died down, much of the site was encased in ice. The complex, which was around 75 percent completed at the time, was destroyed.
A six-week investigation by the state fire marshal failed to determine the cause of the fire but concluded there was “no sign or evidence” that the building had been tampered with.
For Elmi, the devastation hit particularly hard, particularly because it came just months after the collapse of a parapet outside The Fairmount bar and the collapse of another parapet on a building along Mayfield Road.
“It's been a lot. In the short period of time where all the things were happening at the same time and within a few months of each other. But I think it's happening for a reason and I think it proves that we know what we're doing. Whatever happens is going to go up,” he said.
Demolition took about six weeks, but the foundations and elevator shafts remained intact. Reconstruction began in July and the fourth floor was built in October.
Elmi said crews are moving forward with the hope of reopening in 2026.
“We're hoping maybe by spring. Hopefully, if the weather allows it,” Elmi said.
He thanks the engineers, demolition team and contractors for moving the project forward so quickly. Next steps include installing electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems as the structure continues to grow.