Baltimore Firefighters Extinguish Blaze At Mt. Washington Tavern
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A devastating fire destroys a Baltimore landmark. The Mt. Washington Tavern is in ashes.
Meghan McCorkell talked to neighbors as they remember the place so many called home.
The regulars are out at Mt. Washington Tavern. But instead of sitting inside, they're on the sidewalk staring at the shell of the building they love.
"This was like our home, our home away from home," said Kevin Atkinson, neighbor.
A fire ignited inside the North Baltimore landmark early Monday morning. The flames were so strong they smoldered into the night.
From Sky Eye Chopper 13, you can see the roof is gone.
"It's not just a building," Atkinson said. "It's not just a business. It's more than that. It's some place you can go to and relax. These are your friends."
Neighbors say the tavern brings heart and history to the village.
The Mt. Washington Tavern was a general store back in the 1800s, but it's been a local watering hole for the past 32 years.
"We have engagements," said Rob Frisch, Tavern co-owner. "We have people who have met their future spouses here. We've had wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners. It's a landmark. It truly is."
Frisch knows the tavern is the anchor for all businesses in this quaint village--especially after another nearby restaurant recently closed.
"Everybody benefits from the tavern," said Karen Feldman, who owns a nearby business. "The impact of it is tremendous, and it's a horrible loss for the community."
The owners are now vowing to rebuild, and customers will be waiting.
"It will take a while. They'll build it. It will rise from the ashes," said a customer.
The owners tell us with all this damage, it could take a year to rebuild the tavern.
Fire officials are still investigating what caused the blaze.
