A 143-Year-Old Building Lost to Fire on Talbot Street
A prominent piece of downtown St. Thomas history has been reduced to rubble after a devastating fire tore through a historic building on Talbot Street, forcing its demolition and displacing residents and businesses. While the structure itself could not be saved, city officials and crews were able to preserve one important artifact — the iconic “Central Block 1882” sign — offering a symbolic link to the city’s past amid the destruction.
The building, known locally as the Central Block, was constructed in 1882 and had stood for more than 140 years at the heart of St. Thomas’ main commercial corridor. The fire broke out on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, and spread rapidly through a restaurant on the ground floor and multiple residential apartments above, leaving the structure unsafe and beyond repair.
Fire Originated in Restaurant, Spread Quickly Upstairs
According to fire officials, the blaze began on the main level of the building inside the Lucky Kitchen restaurant before moving upward into the apartments on the upper floors. The intensity of the fire caused extensive damage throughout the structure, making it impossible to salvage the building.
Officials Say Demolition Was the Only Option
Angelo DiCicco, St. Thomas’ chief building official, said the decision to demolish the building was made under the direction of the fire department after crews determined the structure posed a serious safety risk.
“The main building itself — there is really, unfortunately, nothing that would be salvageable,” DiCicco explained. “The building was demolished under direction from the fire department. Going forward, I’ll be working closely with the owners of both the affected building and the neighbouring properties to ensure that everything is rebuilt safely.”
Heavy machinery moved in soon after, bringing down what remained of the fire-damaged structure. By the end of the operation, another gap had been left along Talbot Street, a sight that has become increasingly familiar in recent months.
A Pattern of Loss Along St. Thomas’ Main Street
Local historian Steve Peters said the destruction of the Central Block represents another painful blow to the historic fabric of downtown St. Thomas.
“Sadly, fire is taking its toll on Talbot Street,” Peters said while surveying the aftermath. “The Central building was constructed in 1882 at a cost of $5,000. Those three stores served the citizens of downtown St. Thomas for a lot of years. Sadly, we’ve got another hole.”
The loss comes just five months after another building along the same stretch of Talbot Street was destroyed in a fire that police later determined was the result of arson. Together, the incidents have raised concerns among residents and business owners about the vulnerability of older downtown structures.
Neighbouring Businesses Left Scrambling
While the Central Block was completely destroyed, adjacent buildings narrowly escaped the same fate thanks to the thickness of the original brick construction.
Smoke and Water Damage Force Closures
Despite avoiding direct fire damage, neighbouring businesses were not spared from the impact. Yurek Pharmacy, located next door, suffered significant smoke and water damage and has been forced to close its Talbot Street location temporarily.
Co-owner Jeff Yurek said staff have been working quickly to ensure customers continue receiving their medications.
“We’re filling prescriptions at our London store and delivering them to patients,” Yurek said. “We’re doing everything we can to minimize disruption.”
CTV News has learned the pharmacy plans to relocate temporarily to the CASO Station while repairs and assessments are underway.
Similarly, Crazy Joe’s gym, which shares the block, also sustained smoke and water damage. Both businesses are now working with insurance companies as they assess next steps.
Insurance Companies Take Over Next Phase
DiCicco confirmed that insurance providers for both property owners will now play a central role in determining how and when rebuilding efforts proceed.
“There were two owners within that same block,” he said. “Their insurance companies will be taking over at this point. We’ll be waiting to hear how they wish to move forward.”
Residents Displaced, Lives Upended
Perhaps the most personal toll of the fire was felt by residents who lived in the apartments above the businesses. Among them was Don Krol, who lost everything he owned when the building went up in flames.
A Narrow Escape From Disaster
Krol had left for work only minutes before the fire started. Shortly afterward, he received a frantic call from his girlfriend, who was still inside the apartment.
“She called me in the morning and said she smelled smoke,” Krol recalled. “I told her to open the doorway because sometimes we get people messing around in the hallway. When she opened the door, there was nothing but black smoke.”
He said she immediately slammed the door shut, choking on the smoke, before escaping through the back of the building.
“I told her to run and get the heck out of there,” he said.
Despite losing his home and possessions, Krol said he remains grateful that no lives were lost.
“It’s devastating. It’s heartbreaking,” he said. “I can’t believe it, but I’m just happy everyone got out safe.”
Krol has since secured a new apartment and is beginning the difficult process of rebuilding his life.
Old-World Construction Prevented Further Damage
City officials credit the craftsmanship of the original builders for preventing the fire from spreading further along the block.
Thick Brick Walls Acted as a Barrier
“There are multiple lines of brick — three bricks deep for each wall,” DiCicco explained. “That definitely helped out. While there was significant smoke damage, there was no fire spread into the neighbouring buildings.”
The observation served as a reminder of the durability of 19th-century construction methods, even in the face of modern disasters.
Saving a Symbol: The Central Block Sign
While the building itself was lost, crews made a concerted effort to save one important piece of its legacy.
Historic Façade Sign Preserved
During the demolition, fire and construction crews carefully removed the historic “Central Block 1882” sign from the front façade. Although the sign was damaged and broken, it was successfully salvaged and is now being held by the City of St. Thomas.
Officials say the city will determine how best to preserve and display the sign in the future, ensuring the landmark’s story is not forgotten.
A Building Filled With Memories
For longtime residents like Steve Peters, the loss of the Central Block is deeply personal.
“There are a lot of memories out of that place,” Peters said.
He recalled the Chinese restaurant that had operated there since around 1964, a popular late-night stop for generations of locals.
“Countless families — certainly my own — frequented it over the years,” he said. “After being out at the bar or just stopping in late for wonton soup and an egg roll, it was part of our lives.”
Over the decades, the building housed a wide range of businesses, including the Rendezvous restaurant, Barnes Menswear, and Beaton’s Stereo Shop. Its adaptability and longevity made it a cornerstone of downtown life.
“It’s served a lot of uses since its construction in 1882,” Peters said. “Sadly, it’s not going to continue to do that.”
Looking Ahead After Loss
As cleanup continues and insurance assessments begin, the future of the site remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the fire has left a lasting mark on St. Thomas — physically, economically, and emotionally.
