Streets have reopened in downtown Princeton after a historic landmark collapsed Thursday morning.
Princeton One Hour Cleaners, located at 115 West Court Square, is owned by Richard Jones and collapsed shortly before 4:00 a.m. The structure is also known as the Old Masonic Building.
Princeton Fire Chief Brent Francis tells the News Edge the building is a total loss but the structure integrity of the businesses attached were not affected.
click to download audioh
He says he’s not exactly sure what caused the building to collapse but age and a heavy metal fire escape probably were contributing factors.
click to download audio
He says there were no injuries.
Photo Courtesy: Jason Jones
Bill Perry with the Masonic Hall tells the News Edge construction started on the building just prior to the beginning of the 20th Century.
click to download audioThis was the second historic building to be destroyed in Princeton this year. On the night of February 17, the Old Leroi Building on South Seminary Street was destroyed by fire.
Photos Courtesy: Jason Jones
