Fire heavily damages commercial building in Simsbury

Fire rages at 730 Hopmeadow St. Photo courtesy of David Richman

By John Fitts and Ted Glanzer

Staff Writers

SIMSBURY – A fire raged through a prominent commercial building in Simsbury over the weekend.

Firefighters from the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company responded to 730 Hopmeadow St. at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. 

“The first arriving fire officer discovered a heavy volume of fire coming from one of the first-floor occupancies. Additional assistance was immediately requested from neighboring towns,” Chief of Department Todd M. Myers wrote in a press release. 

“Firefighters initially began to attack the fire from within the building but were forced to withdraw several times due to heavy fire conditions,” Myers added. 

He also told the Valley Press that firefighters worked throughout the night and even late Sunday morning were still on scene with an excavation crew checking for any additional hot spots in“void” spaces created by collapsing floors during the fire. 

Myers said an insurance adjuster would make the call as to whether the building is a total loss but he said structural damage was “significant.”

Mutual aid was provided from Avon, Canton, Bloomfield (Bloomfield Center Fire Dept.), Granby (Lost Acres Fire Dept.), East Granby and Farmington (Tunxis Hose Co. 1)," Myers said.

“[I am] thankful for our mutual aid partners who came into assist and, at the same time, cover calls in town. We did have three other calls while we were there,” Myers said. 

Nobody was in the building at the time of the fire, Myers said, adding that it was 100 percent commercial. One minor firefighter injury was reported but that person was able to stay on scene, officials said.

Portions of the building go back to 1890, according to town records. Myers said he learned it was added on to several times. According to LoopNet.com the building was three stories and 11,050 square feet. Eleven businesses operated in the building, which was known as Old Hopmeadow Center, according to the sign at the property. Listed tenants included Journey of Yoga, Allstate, Sarah's Nail Studio, Mind's Eye Hypnosis, Right Step Mortgage, and more.

The building has been owned by Gradbros Hopmeadow, LLC since 2017, according to town records. Principals of that company are listed as John Grad and Jack Grad on the state business records site. 

On Sunday afternoon, emergency workers, police officers, contractors and others continued to work at and secure the scene. 

“We’re just devastated for the tenants and we’re happy everyone’s safe,” John Grad said Sunday afternoon. 

He did also confirm the owners believe the building will be a total loss. 

Jackie Jeffko, operated her business Shades Above in the building for 13 years, 10 in her most recent studio space, which was on the older side of the building that was still standing but with contents that are likely very heavily damaged or worse. 

“It was my happiest place,” she said when asked what was going through her mind. “My 10 years of hard work, sweat and tears - a lot of joy in that salon.”

“I’m just thankful [nobody was in the building] and I’m thankful for the firefighters that were here all night risking their lives,” Jeffko added. “I’m really happy nobody was hurt, but I'm so sorry for everyone that was affected. I know how much we all put into our own businesses. When you’re an LLC, it’s your livelihood and you put your heart and soul into it.”

First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis said she is also grateful for the firefighters and others who worked the fire and its aftermath and noted that, as of Sunday, efforts were already underway to help those affected.

“I have to say I’m immensely grateful for the SVFC’s efforts and I extend that to all the emergency personnel in town for tackling such a major event safely,” she said. “It’s tough for all of us at to see this happen right on ‘Main Street,’ impacting many of our favorite local businesses. I’ve been told efforts are already underway to provide support from members of our business community. Proud to say our town always pulls together.” 

The fire is currently under investigation by the Simsbury Fire Marshal’s Office. Any inquiries can be directed to Fire Marshal Patrick Tourville at 860-658-1971.