A three-alarm fire destroyed the mostly vacant Gately’s People’s building early Friday morning in Roseland, forcing down the walls of what once was billed as the largest store on Michigan Avenue.
Crews were called to a blaze at a three-story building about 3:36 a.m. at 112th Street and Edbrooke Avenue, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
The cause of the fire that burned through the morning has yet to be determined. Firefighters were able to control the blaze but couldn't immediately get inside, Fire Chief Jack Nagle said.
"It’s very tough to get in there," he said. "Luckily most of the building is vacant."
A beauty supply shop, a clothing store and a jewelry store are located in the same building.
"Man, its painful. i grew up in this area, been in this area for 50 years," Derrick Stiles, a Roseland resident, said. "My mom used to bring me here to shop. We used to shop, come here to eat on the weekends, and it's kind of hurtful to watch this place right now."
No injuries or transports were reported, the fire department said.
