Fire severely damages historic building in Merced
- A fire broke out at the former county library building in downtown Merced around 6:30 AM on Monday.
- The 130-year-old structure had historical significance as the first high school in the county and later served as a library.
- Local leaders lament the fire's impact, noting that hopes for restoration were hindered by financial limitations.
In Merced, California, a significant fire broke out on Monday morning, damaging a nearly 130-year-old historic building located in downtown. The inferno ignited around 6:30 AM at the former county library, situated on 22nd Street near M Street. Local fire crews faced immense challenges as they worked to control the flames and protect adjacent structures utilized by the county. This particular building held deep historical significance, originally functioning as the county's first high school back in 1897 and later transformed into a library from 1920 until 1975. Despite years of vacancy, the building was a cherished symbol of the community, recognized for its Romanesque architecture and listed on the national registry of historic places. Unfortunately, previous aspirations for its restoration were thwarted due to financial constraints, leaving the future of this structure uncertain. As the investigation into the cause of the fire commences, local officials express their sorrow over the devastating damage to a landmark that once saw generations of Merced residents pass through its doors.