A devastating fire has erased a prominent piece of St. Thomas’s architectural landscape, leaving behind rubble, unanswered questions, and a shaken community. Yet amid the destruction of the historic Central Block on Talbot Street, a tangible piece of the city’s past has been salvaged—offering a small but meaningful connection to nearly a century and a half of shared history.
Fire Claims a Landmark on Talbot Street
The Central Block, a downtown building constructed in 1882, was officially demolished following a major fire that tore through the structure, destroying a ground-floor restaurant and several apartments above. Fire officials confirmed that the blaze began inside the Lucky Kitchen restaurant before spreading rapidly upward, rendering the building structurally unsound.
By the time crews gained control of the fire, the damage was extensive. Safety concerns ultimately led to the decision to demolish the building entirely under the direction of the fire department. The loss has left a visible gap along Talbot Street, one of St. Thomas’s most historically significant corridors.
“Sadly, fire is taking its toll on Talbot Street,” said local historian Steve Peters, reflecting on the growing number of historic structures lost in recent months. “The Central building was constructed in 1882 at a cost of $5,000. Those three stores served the citizens of downtown St. Thomas for many years. Now, sadly, we have another hole.”
A Troubling Pattern of Downtown Fires
The destruction of the Central Block has intensified concerns about the vulnerability of St. Thomas’s aging downtown buildings. Just five months earlier, another structure on Talbot Street was lost in a fire that police later classified as arson. While investigators have not yet publicly linked the two incidents, the close timing has unsettled residents and business owners alike.
City officials emphasized that investigations into the most recent fire are ongoing, and no definitive cause has been released beyond confirmation that the fire originated on the building’s main level.
Demolition Ordered for Public Safety
Structural Damage Left No Alternative
According to Angelo DiCicco, St. Thomas’s chief building official, the building could not be safely preserved or repaired.
“Unfortunately, there was really nothing salvageable within the main structure,” DiCicco explained. “The building was demolished under the direction of the fire department.”
DiCicco noted that the city will work closely with the owners of the destroyed building as well as neighboring properties as recovery efforts continue. The priority, he said, is ensuring any future construction meets modern safety standards while respecting the character of the downtown core.
“As they rebuild and move forward, everything must be rebuilt safely,” he added.
Businesses Forced to Close and Relocate
Yurek Pharmacy Scrambles to Serve Customers
The fire’s impact extended well beyond the Central Block itself. Adjacent businesses suffered significant smoke and water damage, forcing temporary closures and rapid contingency planning.
Yurek Pharmacy, located next door, remains closed at its Talbot Street location. Co-owner Jeff Yurek said the business is working urgently to minimize disruption for customers.
Prescriptions are currently being filled at the pharmacy’s London location and delivered to patients in St. Thomas. Plans are also underway to relocate temporarily to the historic CASO Station, allowing the pharmacy to resume in-person service while repairs and assessments continue.
Damage Spreads to Nearby Gym
Crazy Joe’s gym, another neighboring business, also sustained smoke and water damage. While the building itself was spared from fire due in part to the original construction methods of the 19th century, the interior damage has created uncertainty around reopening timelines.
DiCicco confirmed that insurance providers are now heavily involved in determining the next steps for affected property owners.
“There were two owners within that same block,” he said. “Their insurance companies will be taking over at this point, and we’ll be waiting to hear how they wish to proceed.”
Residents Displaced Overnight
A Narrow Escape From Tragedy
For those living above the businesses, the fire brought sudden and life-altering loss. Don Krol, who lived in an apartment above the gym, said he is still struggling to process what happened.
“It’s devastating. It’s heartbreaking,” Krol said. “I can’t believe it, but I’m just thankful that everyone got out safely.”
Krol had left for work just minutes before the fire began. Shortly afterward, he received a call from his girlfriend, who was still inside the apartment at the time.
“She called and said she smelled smoke,” he recalled. “I told her to open the doorway because sometimes people mess around in the hallway. When she opened the door, there was nothing but black smoke.”
Realizing the danger, Krol urged her to escape immediately.
“She slammed the door shut, was choking on the smoke, and I told her to run out the back and get out of there.”
Beginning Again After Total Loss
Krol lost nearly all of his belongings in the fire. Despite the trauma, he considers himself fortunate to have secured another apartment quickly and has already begun the process of rebuilding his life.
“It’s a long road ahead,” he said, “but I’m grateful to have a place to start over.”
Built to Last: A Testament to 19th-Century Craftsmanship
Ironically, the very age of the Central Block played a role in preventing even greater destruction. DiCicco praised the original builders for their solid construction techniques.
“There are multiple lines of brick—three bricks deep in each wall,” he explained. “That definitely helped. While there was significant smoke damage, there was no fire spread into the neighboring buildings.”
The durability of the 143-year-old structure likely spared surrounding properties from more severe fire damage, underscoring the quality of craftsmanship from another era.
A Piece of History Saved From the Rubble
Iconic ‘Central Block 1882’ Sign Recovered
Although the building itself could not be saved, demolition crews made a deliberate effort to preserve one important artifact: the historic “Central Block 1882” sign that once adorned the façade.
The sign, though damaged, was successfully recovered and will be held by the City of St. Thomas while officials determine how best to restore and preserve it.
For historians and longtime residents, the salvaged sign represents more than bricks and mortar—it symbolizes generations of shared experiences.
“There are a lot of memories tied to that place,” Peters said.
Decades of Community Life Remembered
Peters recalled the many businesses that called the Central Block home over the decades, including the Lucky Kitchen, which had served Chinese food in the community since the mid-1960s.
“Countless generations frequented it,” he said. “Late nights after the bar, stopping in for wonton soup and an egg roll—it was part of the fabric of the city.”
The building also housed the Rendezvous restaurant, Barnes Menswear, and Beaton’s Stereo Shop at various points in its long history.
“It served many purposes since its construction in 1882,” Peters added. “Sadly, it’s not going to continue doing that.”
Looking Ahead: Loss, Reflection, and Renewal
The demolition of the Central Block marks the end of an era for downtown St. Thomas. While the fire has left a physical and emotional void, it has also sparked renewed conversations about heritage preservation, fire safety, and the future of Talbot Street.
City officials say rebuilding discussions will take time, guided by safety requirements, insurance decisions, and community input. For now, the focus remains on supporting displaced residents, helping businesses recover, and preserving what little remains of the site’s historical legacy.
