Fire Destroys Eastern Market

[cupcakelove]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/30/AR2007043000272.html?hpid=artslot

Fire coursed through the shops of the historic Eastern Market on Capitol Hill early Monday morning, gutting the southern half of the 134-year-old landmark.

I know that people unfamiliar with DC have no idea what Eastern Market is, but it was hands down one if my favorite parts of the city. I'm sure there will still be a lot of vendors outside selling goods until they can rebuild, but I'm worried about how this thing will be when its done. I'm sure some corporate goons are already plotting on how to get a Starbucks in there.

[LimeJohnny]

That is sad. It was such a unique part of the city.

[MrPink]

I lived outside DC for almost 20 years and never been there. I'll have to take a look at the ruins when I go back home.

[sailor]

i heard it was a missile.

[Midkiff]

Halliburton gets the no-bid contract to rebuild the market.

[Landblast]

i just saw this thread, i was there yesterday around noon to 2, can't believe it, they will rebuild, talked to my buddy at major architectural firm here, said there are talks in the works already,.. and it happened this morn,..non-profit stuff.

[Yerdaddy]

That sucks. I used to work a few blocks from there. It's a cool area.

The good news, I think, is that my favorite deli is probably safe. A hint for anyone in the area: right behind where the cameraman is standing in this photo is a deli with the best sammiches and soup in DC. The 4 bean soup is to die for!

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/04/30/PH2007043001964.jpg

[A.J.]

And the Georgetown Library (the neighborhood, not the university) burned too.

http://www.nbc4.com/2007/0501/13229036_240X180.jpg

[cupcakelove]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/01/AR2007050101878.html?hpid=topnews

Bureaucratic red tape prevented the Eastern Market from getting new electrical work and a sprinkler system years ago, according to an advisory panel on the landmark's renovation. Those improvements might have prevented this week's devastating fire, authorities said.

This city can't do anything right, a committee recommenced four years ago they install a sprinkler system. The fire chief said one sprinkler head would probably have kept the fire under control.