Columbus Shocked: Historic Building Razed to the Ground in Devastating FireColumbus Shocked: Historic Building Razed to the Ground in Devastating Fire Columbus, Ohio – A devastating fire has torn through a beloved historic building in the city, leaving residents and officials stunned. The iconic structure, located in the city’s historic downtown district, was reduced to smoldering ruins within hours. The fire broke out just after midnight, rapidly engulfing the building’s wooden beams and floors. Firefighters fought valiantly to contain the blaze, but the intense heat and flames proved too overwhelming. By dawn, the building had collapsed, leaving only a charred and smoking skeleton behind. The building, known as the “Wharton House,” was constructed in the 1850s and served as a landmark in the city for over a century. It had housed a variety of businesses over the years, most recently a restaurant and coffee shop. “This is a tragic loss for our community,” said Mayor Andrew Ginther. “The Wharton House was a piece of living history that connected us to our past and added character to our downtown.” Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports indicate that it may have started in the building’s basement, but the exact origin remains a mystery. Local residents and visitors alike expressed their shock and sadness at the news. Many gathered at the scene of the fire to pay their respects and mourn the loss of a cherished building. “I grew up visiting the Wharton House,” said one resident. “It was a vibrant part of our community, and I can’t imagine downtown without it.” City officials are now working to assess the damage and determine the feasibility of rebuilding the Wharton House. However, it is likely that the historic building will be gone forever, leaving a significant hole in Columbus’ architectural landscape.