The Seagrave building, a familiar sight on Walker Road between Niagra and Richmond streets was deliberately set ablaze between 2:00 and 3:00 A.M. this morning. When firefighters arrived on the scene more than 50% of the first floor and parts of the second floor at the north end were fully engulfed. Several late model vehicles in various states of repair were completely destroyed. It is not known if this repair operation was legal or not. One bystander said that the operation was not insured. Residential neighbours from nearby Monmouth Road have filed continuous complaints with the city over various illegal activities in the building including vehicle repair, auto body operations, welding and band rehearsals. Illegal outside dumping and storage of vehicles and equipment has always been a problem.
Accelerant was used to start the fire at several locations. When fire crews arrived, many of the buildings exterior doors on both floors were found open. Someone mentioned that door number 70 on the second floor was recently locked up. It is not clear if this meant that a tennant was evicted or not. This morning Parker Construction was busy boarding up and securing the site.
Ashok Sood, CEO of Champion Paper Supplies and other operations on the East side of Walker Road recently bought the building. Fire officials told him that the building is still very structurally sound. Mr. Sood knows the historical and architectural relevance of this building. He said the city has suggested that low income housing would be a possible use. Mr. Sood is of the mind that this is probably not a good solution at all. In larger urban centers this sort of building would probably be snapped up for converting into fashionable condos, studios, boutiques or a combination thereof. He is very open to suggestions for potential use.
For history buffs, this building was erected in 1904 and it is where the modern fire truck was first concieved and built. The Company was called the W.E. Seagrave Fire Apparatus Company. Parts were shipped here from it's parent company in Ohio and assembled in this plant. The company was closed for competitive reasons in 1923. Windsor Fire Department still has a couple of newer Seagrave Pumpers which it purchased in the early 1990's. Fire investigators have been on the scene all day.
Accelerant was used to start the fire at several locations. When fire crews arrived, many of the buildings exterior doors on both floors were found open. Someone mentioned that door number 70 on the second floor was recently locked up. It is not clear if this meant that a tennant was evicted or not. This morning Parker Construction was busy boarding up and securing the site.
Ashok Sood, CEO of Champion Paper Supplies and other operations on the East side of Walker Road recently bought the building. Fire officials told him that the building is still very structurally sound. Mr. Sood knows the historical and architectural relevance of this building. He said the city has suggested that low income housing would be a possible use. Mr. Sood is of the mind that this is probably not a good solution at all. In larger urban centers this sort of building would probably be snapped up for converting into fashionable condos, studios, boutiques or a combination thereof. He is very open to suggestions for potential use.
For history buffs, this building was erected in 1904 and it is where the modern fire truck was first concieved and built. The Company was called the W.E. Seagrave Fire Apparatus Company. Parts were shipped here from it's parent company in Ohio and assembled in this plant. The company was closed for competitive reasons in 1923. Windsor Fire Department still has a couple of newer Seagrave Pumpers which it purchased in the early 1990's. Fire investigators have been on the scene all day.
Rear garage entrance
Late model minivan
Door Number 70
Seagrave Building from Walker Road
Original pumper pic sent in from DI
Back in the day. Trees sure make a difference don't they? Pic sent in by JB.
13 comments:
Thanks to a couple of blog readers who informed us about this setback. The building does indeed still look salvagable. Maybe this is the proper calling card to bring this historical gem into modern play. It is very suitable for loft apartments and boutiques etc. Tons of parking in the back. Very curious as to why the City would recommend low income housing. They either lack vision or are very desperate. They should take this opportunity to step up to the plate and offer whatever guidance, help and services they can to whoever wants to initiate the proper development.
How ironic. See the link.
Hopefully the City has more vision than low income housing.
Insurance will never payout on such an obvious arson. Definitely a teardown.
Wow! From JB's pic there used to be a ton of setback. Room enough for those beautiful trees. Theres no room for them now.
Hey...Who taught Gord how to use a computer?
you mean grod don't you?
Was watching the Windsor Star for their coverage of this. With the exception of a two liner which said the fire occurred and there was $250,000 damage.
You scooped them.
The automobile repair garage was a permitted use, provided their was not outdoor storage of vehicles.
Loft apartments and boutiques? In Windsor. Given the market conditions, I'll be surprised if the Club Lofts sells out by the end of the year. Heck, we still haven't received a Condo application for the property.
To City Hall Insider...
I have to agree with you. Market conditions are thin and all condo projects are a tough sell in this city. Don't know why but they are. I know too that its a tough sell to move the Seagrave in the right direction but the watermark in my glass registers half full. Thanks for the heads up on the Club lofts and for clarifying "permitted use". Just for the record, vehicles have been parked in the yard there for quite some time. There is also some industrial racking which is stacked dangerously high. Thanks again. I think I'll go and listen to Dion and the Belmonts for a while.
nerd.
Kirwood. Any new developments?
What? No comments from our very own street cop?
ashok sood da man
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