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Hopes of restoration lost in Lockridge structure fire
Only weeks before restoration projects were set to begin, the original Lockridge Hotel went up in flames
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LOCKRIDGE — Multiple fire departments worked together for approximately seven hours to clear a structure fire that engulfed the original Lockridge Hotel.
At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, Lockridge, Mt. Pleasant, and Fairfield fire departments were called to a structure fire at 101 West Railroad Street. Large flames burned through the residence resulting in the destruction of the property, though no injuries were reported. Crews cleared the scene at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Sue Hopper, owner of Vision Ministries Inc., purchased the property in July 2023 with hopes of restoring the historic hotel built in 1876 when the railroad made its way through Lockridge. In the last many years, the building has served as a residential home.
“We had plans to fix it up and make it beautiful like we have other old buildings in town,” Hopper said. “You build it up or it falls down.”
While Hopper said the house was currently rented out, the tenants were expected to move out within just a couple weeks so she could begin the restoration process. Thankfully, the home was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
Hopper was not completely certain on the future of this property after restoration, but had hopes of it helping many in whatever way she felt God would lead her.
“Our hearts are so sad,” Hopper said. “It would have been a beautiful building with a purpose.”
A cause for the fire has not yet been released, though Hopper says a forensic fire investigator visited the site Tuesday, Oct. 8 for inspection.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
