fire

Fire, Water Damage May Result in Pyramid House Demolition

The owners of a suburban Chicago home that became a tourist attraction say an estimated $3 million in fire and water damage may force them to demolish the place.

Spokeswoman Yolanda Fierro says if the owners of the Gold Pyramid House in Wadsworth decide to demolish it, they will replace it with a pyramid "bigger and better" than what was there before.

Fierro says the owners looked through the house and determined the devastation from water damage was too much. She said fire damage was limited to only a couple of rooms.

Gurnee Fire Department Battalion Chief David Douglass said the cause of Tuesday's fire is under investigation.

The Gold Pyramid House was built in 1977 as a private residence but was later opened for public tours. A 55-foot-tall statue of Ramses II stands guard outside.

The 17,000 square foot, six-story structure is surrounded by a moat and contains a replica of King Tut's tomb.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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