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

A historic building east of 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," said Thompson, who noted the excitement the West Walkerville Hotel project generated in the community.

Built in 1909, the building was originally the Wyandotte Hotel and more recently was a bar called Champs.

In addition to the hotel suites, Thompson was planning a restaurant and speakeasy in the space. The proposal was announced earlier 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 located around 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 fire started early this morning.

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

Smith called it a complete write off. 

Large plumes of smoke could been seen high up in the air across the city because of the blaze.

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

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

Just after 5 p.m., on Friday, Windsor Fire and Rescue Services said 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 Rescue Services said.

Larry Horwitz, chair of the Wyandotte Town Centre BIA, says the fire marks a dream coming to an end — somewhat —but he's hoping that the building will be rebuilt.

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

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

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