Fire Destroys Raleigh Apartment Complex Under Construction
Several buildings in downtown Raleigh were engulfed in flames after a fire broke out after 10 p.m. in a building under construction. The Metropolitan, a five-story apartment project that was under construction on Jones Street, appears to be completely destroyed.
Banner Real Estate Group and construction firm Clancy & Theys were building the project. Today, they released a joint statement: “We thank the heroic firefighters and all first responders who risked their lives to contain this fire and that no loss of life occurred. While the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, we are working closely with authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and review of the incident. To our neighbors and to the surrounding community, we are saddened by this unfortunate situation and ask for your patience as the investigation continues and as we begin the process of site clean-up.”
Eyewitnesses and news crews reported seeing a tower crane on the site melting and falling.
Firefighters were challenged battling the fire as the flames as wind gusts spread smoke for blocks around. Media reports indicate that there were minor injuries and exposure to smoke. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
According to Raleigh Fire Chief John McGrath, the building was inspected on Monday, and was “completely compliant with permit regulations.” At this point of the construction, fire sprinklers were not yet installed.
The Metropolitan was a wood-frame building. Commonly known as a pedestal or podium building, the structure consists of a poured-concrete first level (the pedestal) with four stories of wood-frame construction on top on the pedestal.
The Metropolitan was to have 241 units consisting of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The building is planned to have “a golf simulator, pet run and spa, arcade room, enclosed parking garage, bicycle storage, resident package lockers, fitness center with a yoga studio, clubhouse with a wet bar, pool and sundeck with a tranquil fountain.” Plans and a timeline for the reconstruction are unknown at this point.
