Plans to demolish, rebuild city block 6 months after massive fire

WILLIAMSBURG , Ky. (WKYT) - Six months after a fire swept through downtown Williamsburg, city officials are moving forward with plans to demolish what remains of the damaged area — with a commitment to rebuild and preserve the block’s turn-of-the-century appearance.

Mayor Roddy Harrison said bids will be taken for a demolition project estimated to cost between $150,000 and $300,000. Harrison said the project has taken months because the city had to wait on insurance, engineering and other aspects to be completed.

Business owner watched fire grow

Adam Howard, a restaurant co-owner and attorney, watched as the fire spread to more businesses and apartment units, concerned it would reach his restaurant and law office.

“The fire was so strong that they just couldn’t stop it at certain points,” Howard said. “The building next to mine was kind of their last stop at it.”

A firewall and the work of approximately 100 firefighters kept the entire city block from burning. Howard’s restaurant, The Hunt and The Harvest, survived and will celebrate its one-year anniversary this weekend.

“Initially when it was down there, I was grabbing everything out that I could,” Howard said. “And then at some point you’re feeling helpless. Hoping they can stop it at some point.”

Rebuild to maintain historical look

Harrison said the plan is to rebuild the area and maintain its historical aesthetics. Howard said other business owners support that approach.

“There’s definitely a certain look to Williamsburg,” Howard said. “It is historical. The college is beautiful, Main Street is beautiful. I think they plan on keeping that look.”

Bids on the demolition will be opened next Friday. Officials hope to have more information available by the time of a downtown festival scheduled for next month.