Fate Of Historic Hobart, Indiana Building Uncertain After Blaze

The fate of a more than century-old downtown building ravaged by fire Tuesday night remains unclear. Building official Michael Hannigan said Thursday insurance adjusters and others are working to inspect the building to determine if it can be salvaged or if it will have to be demolished. Hannigan said tenants will not be allowed back into the building for safety reasons. Hobart Fire Department Lt. John Reitz said about a dozen residents were displaced from the 122-year-old building, but all have found temporary housing. "At the moment, I don’t know its fate," Hannigan said of the building, adding he does not have the expertise to determine if the building is structurally sound. He said that determination will depend on recommendations from the adjuster, and parties involved in the investigation are expected to gather sometime Friday afternoon to make the recommendation.