It is so sad to see one of Palo Alto's historic buildings being destroyed.

The building owners (a consortium of foreign investors) were planning on remodeling soon, but now it seems like they will get a brand new building instead.

What luck is that!

I will miss that lovely old building.

From now on, we will have only photos for our children to show their children what used to be there.

Sorry to disagree, but I saw nothing lovely or historic about the building. A brand new building could be really nice, on the other hand it may not. Too many buildings are being put up and then pulled down a few years later for poor reasoning. I hope that this time a building will be well enough designed that it will last for a long time through multiple uses and eventually become something that will be worth preserving. But, when the right time comes, it will be torn down too.

Of course it is historic--anything in PA that is older than 5 years is considered historic by the "historic home zealots". I am surprised they did not go to court and get a court order to prevent demolition.
There is little to nothing historic in PA--if you want historic buildings go move to Boston.

What a loss,

What do you know about the owners? Are you implying that they are connected to the fire?

Chris: I don't see a reason to rule it out. It may or may not have been an inside job. Who knows? Hopefully the authorities are well trained and can conduct a fair investigation.

The building was old, but I don't remember anything spectacular about it. It did look nicer than the Longs building. Aren't they the same age?

A past article on Palo Alto online said the building was built in 1901.

Here's a link to an article on the building:
Web Link

Matt - that was a fabulous story!
Your parents must be very proud of you.
I would not hesitate in writing you as many recommendations as you need for college.
You are a truly a gifted writer.
Your factual research combined with true emotions are qualities which are rarely seen (especially on this forum).
Bravo!
I will miss this building too.
I have been using it for almost 50 years.
I think that some people on this forum may have been quick to write their opinions before knowing the history.
They may be happy to see the building demolished, when (in reality) they may be happier to see the old Walgreens go, the Sandwich Shop, and the homeless sitting outside.

I will miss the building for what it stood for through the years. With it, I feel a bit of myself will be torn down too.

The building was not maintained in a historical way. The existing shops were out of place.

I just returned from the East Coast, where I saw many cities make sure that the new businesses fit into the historical structures so well that at times I had a difficulty locating a Rite Aid because I drove by it several times, thinking it was just another one of the historical buildings on the main street. Garish new buildings were not allowed in these busy little towns.

Many towns were able to preserve their original quaint character, yet still have the modern stores within the town.

I hope that the architect for the new building has something like that in mind.

Maybe they can plan to design a new building similar to one which was destroyed, and reference your historical photos and data in the planning.

Thanks again for the great report!

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]