Quorum Center condominiums last to reopen after massive downtown Raleigh fire
Renovations are almost complete at the Quorum Center, the last of nine damaged buildings to reopen after a massive fire in downtown Raleigh two years ago.
On March 16, 2017, a five-alarm fire engulfed an apartment building under construction near the Glenwood South restaurant and bar district.
The fire spread to nine nearby buildings and forced evacuations, with the Quorum Center condominiums and the neighboring Metropolitan and Link apartments suffering the most damage.
More than two years later, the Quorum Center's once-boarded up windows that burst in the fire have been replaced, and residents and businesses have been moving back in since July.
Repairs are complete at the Metropolitan and Link apartments, while renovations at the Quorum will wrap up this winter.
Businesses in the area told WRAL News they are excited to see the redevelopment.
“There were groups that put together temporary facilities – so that the people at the Metropolitan, the Link, the Quorum, had a place to go," said Michael Mesnard from Cline Design. "It was great to see how everyone rallied together."
The Quorum is a mixed-used building that houses businesses and living spaces. Despite the wait, management said most residents and businesses chose to return.
In a written statement, the Quorum Center said: "The over two-year period of eviction from our building since the night of the fire has been an ordeal to say the least...however, we are encouraged by our ability to return to our homes and places of work. We would like to thank all the members of the community who offered their help and support in the aftermath of the fire and who continue to support us and respect our privacy as we endeavor to put our lives back together."
According to the Quorum, the City of Raleigh granted the building its Certificate of Occupancy in June.
Building management said most residents have moved back into the 37 condominiums and confirmed all commercial owners and tenants, except for the Local Government Federal Credit Union, are back in their offices.
