Fire has taken one of Midtown's oldest buildings. The building located at 1133Robinson was originally built in 1910. The former residence was used most recently as the Guardian funeral home. The three story building had almost 10,000 square feet and was purchased earlier this year by a medical group that planned on renovating the building to house their medical practice. The building had amazing wood work including large pocket doors and a grand staircase. The only thing now left standing is an elevator shaft.

Oh geez....

Oh what a shame. 'Twas a great building. Any damage to the great art deco Lawyers & Title building next door?

that sucks

I drove by just now. You can still smell the fire.

Do we have any idea what started it?

WOW, sad news

Most likely the homeless guys sleeping inside were trying to keep warm. It is just about impossible to keep them out regardless of how well these places are secured. It's just been a matter of luck that many more of the historical buildings downtown have not been destroyed by fire. The fire dept has responded on hundreds of fires in these buildings over the years that were extinguished while relatively small, without much damage or fanfare. The public never even knows about it. Many of these guys want to sniff gold paint, drink mouthwash or are wanted by the police so they will not go check into the Jesus House or Rescue Mission and willingly fend for themselves. It's a real shame.