Windsor building ravaged by fire was going to be redeveloped as boutique hotel

A historic building eastof Windsor's downtown that was slated to be redeveloped as a boutique hotel will now likely be torn down after it was ravaged by fire,the building's owner says.

Graeme Thompson says it's a huge disappointment.

"We had some great plans for the building to bring it back to its former glory," saidThompson,who notedthe excitement the West WalkervilleHotel projectgenerated in the community.

Built in 1909, the building wasoriginally theWyandotteHotel and more recently was a bar calledChamps.

In addition to the hotel suites, Thompson was planning a restaurant and speakeasy in the space. The proposal wasannouncedearlier this month.

Despite the destruction of the building, Thompson isn't ruling out developing something at the site.

"We felt the impact that it had on the community and we're hoping to bring that back, so if we do get the opportunity, we'd love to continue our project here and rebuild what once was," Thompson said.

The building is locatedaround Wyandotte Street and Parent Avenue just east of the tunnel and the city's downtown core.

Acting chief fire prevention officer John Smith said the firestarted early this morning.

The building's roof collapsed and the structure has been nearly gutted because of the fire.

Smith calledit a complete write off.

Large plumes of smoke couldbeen seen high up in the air across the city because ofthe blaze.

Flames could be spotted shooting out of the roof of thethree-floor, brick building.

Roads in the immediate area wereblocked as firefighters worked to get the fire under control.

Just after 5 p.m., on Friday, Windsor Fire and Rescue Servicessaid on social media that the blaze is out and no one was hurt. The fire caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage and the cause is undetermined, according to the fire department.

Demolition crews were on scene to secure the building, Windsor Fire and RescueServices said.

LarryHorwitz, chair of the Wyandotte Town Centre BIA, says the fire marks a dream coming to an end somewhat but he's hopingthat the building will be rebuilt.

He says the BIAis looking to transform the area into "amuch higher-end, very attractive location for tourism and for people from all over Essex County."

He saidthere were some other projects with historic buildings happening in the area.

"It's a sad moment but it's an exciting time," he said.