Investigation continues into early morning blaze at Seven Corners Gateway site
The fire that destroyed a five-story hotel under construction on the Seven Corners Gateway site across the street from Xcel Energy Center was intentionally set, according to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The fire was reported at 4:20 a.m. on August 4. Flames shooting into the sky were visible from miles away.
The scene of the fire was searched for four days using cadaver dogs and heavy equipment, but no human remains were found. Investigators also checked with local shelters, since the site is across from the Catholic Charities complex that offers a range of housing and services for homeless people.
“We’re pleased that the ATF was able to assist our local and state partners to bring us to this conclusion,” said special agent William Terry Henderson of the bureau’s Saint Paul Field Division. “We’ll continue to work this case to determine who might be responsible.”
Firefighters had to get onto the roof of adjacent buildings, including the Catholic Charities campus. Windows there were damaged and the “X” on the Xcel Energy Center sign was warped by the heat.
Neighbors said on social media that they could smell smoke and feel the heat from the fire. Ashes and debris were scattered throughout downtown and into the Irvine Park and West Side neighborhoods. Debris was found as far away as the High Bridge and West Saint Paul. Freeway ramps and downtown streets had to be blocked off during the August 4 morning rush hour.
The ATF plans to continue investigating the incident with assistance from the Saint Paul Fire and Police departments and the State Fire Marshal. The determination of arson was made after investigating the scene, reviewing video footage and talking to witnesses.
“We’re pleased that the ATF was able to assist our local and state partners to bring us to this conclusion,” said special agent William Terry Henderson of the bureau’s Saint Paul Field Division. “We’ll continue to work this case to determine who might be responsible.”
The fire destroyed the 120-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel that was being built by the Kaeding Development Group of Bloomington. President Carl Kaeding said the developers plan to rebuild as soon as possible. As of last week, they were waiting for federal agents to release control of the property.
“We honestly don’t know the site conditions because we haven’t been able to get in there,” Kaeding said.
According to him, the hotel is believed to be a total loss, though an adjacent six-story apartment building also under construction on the site appeared to be undamaged. Kaeding praised the Fire Department for its ability to protect the apartment building and other adjacent buildings. He said the development team is thankful that there was no loss of life or injuries.
Groundbreaking for the $69 million development occurred last fall and Kaeding said the intent was to open the hotel in late March of 2021. A new construction and opening timeline has not been determined.
Before the fire, the hotel was fully framed. Windows had been installed and brick work was expected to start.
The development also will include retail and restaurant space on the 2.4-acre site. Doran Companies of Bloomington, which is the general contractor for the project, released a statement saying it was “reeling” from the fire’s impact.
City officials are eager to see construction resume. “That’s a key development site for downtown,” said City Council member Chris Tolbert, who chairs Saint Paul’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority board. “It’s in an area where we have so many visitors to Saint Paul.”
Kaeding said his company spent years planning the development. “It’s an important site because it’s a gateway to downtown,” he said. “We want to get right back at it.”
The development site and an adjacent block occupied by a municipal parking ramp were eyed for redevelopment since the 1980s. The remaining commercial buildings were torn down and the historic Armstrong-Quinlan House was moved to an Irvine Park site in 2005 to make way for development.
—Jane McClure
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