MORRISTOWN, Tenn. — The remnants of a historic building in Morristown will soon be brought down as crews start demolition work. In early January, the Parks-Belk Building burned down and the city said it was too damaged to recover. Instead, they had to tear it down.
The fire was ruled an arson, and a Michigan man accused of setting it was arrested. Authorities said he admitted to plans to start other fires. Ever since the fire started, the area around the Parks-Belk Building was closed off, near the N. Cumberland Street and W. Main Street intersection, and Morristown leaders said the area would stay closed off until demolition was complete.
"It is anticipated that the initial phase to remove the hazardous structure should take approximately one week. Once the Building Department determines that it is safe to reopen the streets, vehicular and pedestrian traffic can be restored," the city previously said on social media.
Jeffrey Scott Cicirelli was charged with arson, reckless endangerment, burglary and vandalism in connection to the fire.