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Historic Willowbrook Ballroom Destroyed By Fire

(CBS) -- An extra-alarm fire on Friday destroyed the historic Willowbook Ballroom in southwest suburban Willow Springs.

Although the cause of the fire is undetermined, Tri-State Fire Protection District Chief Daniel Niemeyer confirmed that roofers were at work atop the ballroom when the fire began around 2 p.m.

Within 15 minutes, flames shot through the roof, and Niemeyer says the building is a total loss. It happened a short time before a scheduled wedding, but Niemeyer said everyone who was inside got out safely.

The Willowbrook traces its roots to 1921. It burned once before, in 1930. When rebuilt, it rode the crest of the Big Band era and continued to schedule live orchestras for dancing regularly.

Niemeyer said the building was up-to-date in its fire and building code inspections and did not have outstanding violations.

Despite that, he said, the bowstring truss construction is considered obsolete. He said the construction was one reason firefighters quickly evacuated the building and fought the fire from outside.

He said the quick collapse on the roof underscores the decision to pull firefighters out.

In addition, firefighters had trouble getting enough water to fight the flames. Tankers were brought in from a dozen departments.

Willow Springs Village Clerk Adena Baskovich tells WBBM Newsradio the ballroom holds a special place in the community.

"It's one of the only ballrooms left in the whole United States," she says. "There's been so many beautiful weddings and so many special occasions there. It's just very sad."

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire copy; Chicago Sun-Times 2016. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

 

 

Willowbrook Ballroom File
The Willowbrook Ballroom before the fire. (Willowbrook Ballroom/Facebook)

 

 

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