By Rich Larson, News Director
Six months after a disastrous fire left the building unusable, Rebound Partners issued a statement this afternoon announcing that the Archer House
has been declared to be a total loss.
The iconic building, which has stood on Division Street since 1878, was heavily damaged by a fire that broke out in the kitchen of the Smoqe House restaurant on November 12. The building has stood vacant and fenced off for more than six months as the investigation into the cause of the fire was conducted.
The statement said that the combination of fire, smoke and the more than 2 million gallons of water needed to put the fire out combined to damage the structure beyond repair. In the last few weeks, even as Brett Reese, the president of Rebound Partners, was expressing concern over the structural integrity of the building, it could be seen to be crumbling. The North Central section of the front porch collapsed on May 22nd after just two days of steady rain.
What exactly will become of the site itself is still in question. The statement said Rebound is considering all options “including, but not limited to, restoration, replacement or re-development.” Reese has talked in theory about a complex that would include hotel accommodations, apartments and/or condominiums, and entertainment in a building that could be developed all the way to the riverfront. Rebound said the City of Northfield and “many other parties” will be “valuable partners” in the evaluation and decision.
The statement recognized the cultural significance of the building to the community and conceded that the amount of time the investigation took was “frustrating” to both the company and the public. The company thanked the city and its residents for the support and patience they have received.
