Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Updated July 3: There's now a GoFundMe for bar employees here.
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The FDNY responded to a report of a fire just before 1 p.m. today at 204 Avenue B between 12th Street and 13th Street.
The department's Twitter account deemed the fire under control in 45 minutes.
Sabina Brunetti, the co-owner of B-Side, the bar in the building's retail space, said they had a new air conditioner installed. A worker was using a torch for welding, and the insulation went up in flames. B-Side was not open at the time.
The fire marshal deemed the blaze accidental.
The four-story, three-unit building is now under a full vacate order. There weren't any injuries, thankfully, and all the tenants (plus a dog) got out safely. For now, the residents have a place to stay, but there isn't an estimate to how long repairs will take. The apartments were said to be badly damaged.
Meanwhile, the bar will also be out of commission for an unknown amount of time.
B-Side was closed at the start of the year for an extensive deep clean and renovations, including a new ceiling.
"We put so much blood sweat and tears into the space — it's really emotional. Our regulars are like family," a visibly upset Brunetti said.
She was especially concerned for her staff, some of whom do not have other jobs. She also is worried about the tenants whose homes were damaged, including the landlord who lives right above the bar.
Despite the setback, she vowed to return.
"We absolutely plan to rebuild," Brunetti said. "Again and again."
11 comments:
Not a good day on this block. First Khiladi and now this.
Sabina and everyone in the B Side family - I am so sorry. I know you will get through this and rise again.
Hope that contractor had insurance...
I'm so sorry for the accident causing a fire. But I am glad no injuries occurred. Wishing the best for the building's tenants to return home and of course full recovery to B-SIDE
I am so glad my cousin Sandy, the building’s owner, and all her residents are safe.
Oh no. How awful. I feel for everyone involved in this terrible situation. While this is a loss, at least no one was injured. This is exactly why it is essential to have renters insurance. In most clauses/agreements, one is entitled to resources for a temporary residence, and in some instances, if you are unable to return to the apartment, one is allocated funds towards a new place. I signed up for this last year and it is a nice umbrella to have just in case. I wish the residents and the business owner my best thoughts moving forward.
Wishing the bside family and the residents all the best
Where did you get your renters insurance
This is for 7:51. PM
I commented at 12:20 PM. I purchased my renters insurance with lemonade. I highly recommend them!
This is how we lost Pete's-a-Place and a whole string of small businesses on the south corner of 14th and A, which led directly to the further loss of Bargain Bazaar and a host of other places, all so we could have a Target and some ugly pile calling itself "the best building in the East Village", or some such nonsense. Who oversees these "workmen" that can't seem to weld without setting things ablaze?
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