Arts center destroyed by fire
|
According to reports, the roughly 12,000-square-foot building located at 900 Hillsboro Boulevard caught fire around 8:40 p.m. Sunday. Passing motorists noticed smoke pouring from the building and called 911.
Minutes later, the building was completely engulfed in flames and eyewitnesses say firefighters had no chance of saving the structure. The fire is believed to have started in the kitchen or office area and investigators have ruled out arson.
The Manchester Arts Center is owned by the Manchester Arts Commission, although it does receive city funding. A number of plays and art exhibits are held at the facility each year.
A matinee performance of ?Charlotte?s Web? had taken place earlier in the day. According to reports, the play ended and the arts center was vacant by about 5 p.m.
An arts commission member told The Saturday Independent there are plans to rebuild, although it may not be at the same location. The current property, which was deeded to the arts commission about 10 years ago, is prime real estate. It could be sold and that money used for rebuilding at a new location. The building was insured.
In the wake of the disaster, arts commission members have adopted a show-must-go-on philosophy. Plans are to continue the ?Charlotte?s Web? production this weekend at Westwood Elementary School in Manchester.
Show times are set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday with arts commission members accepting donations for the rebuilding effort.