Suspected Arsons Targeting Historical Buildings?
Police are suspecting arson is the cause of fires at the old Bekins and Crittenton buildings downtown. It has community members worried the suspects are playing with more than just fire.
The bekins building was once among one of the oldest buildings in Sioux City, now, it's waiting to be demolished.
"It was a big loss. It's one of the earlier buildings in Sioux City has left, and it was a big fire, we haven't had a big fire for a while and then when we had the second fire that really got my attention. It's alarming," said Jim Jung with the Sioux City Historical Preservation Commission.
Just days after the bekins building caught fire, the old Crittenton building on Court street went up in flames. Both buildings on the national register, both vacant, and both a total loss.
"You can't rebuild these buildings the craftsmanship and the materials you just can't replicate," said Jung.
"Restoring a historic building can be every bit as cost effective and a lot more intriguing and enjoyable to occupy than a brand new building," said Dave Bernstien, who is remodeling the Bekins building.
But community members and developers of historic sioux city buildings are now on alert. The developer of the historic warrior hotel says he remains on the look out.
"At least check it out on a nightly basis until whoever setting these fires is caught. You know they will be, i'm sure that the fire department and police department will catch them, but until that's done, it's better to be safe than sorry," said Lew Weinberg, developer of the Warrior Hotel.
Investigators say they're still working both cases, calling them suspicious. No suspects have been arrested at this time.
If you have any information about the fires, you're asked to call 712-258-TIPS.
