Under-construction condo burns in downtown Indy

[March 12, 2009]  INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- A large fire burned at an under-construction condominium complex Thursday morning just a few blocks north of the Statehouse, sending smoke billowing across the downtown skyline.

No injuries were reported. The buildings were not yet occupied.

Three buildings in the Cosmopolitan at the Canal complex, valued at $28 million, burned and were considered a total loss, said Fire Department spokeswoman Rita Reith.

The complex is in a block bounded by Senate Avenue and Michigan Street and adjacent to the canal. About 125 firefighters brought the fire under control, said Reith.

Mayor Greg Ballard said firefighters kept the flames from spreading to adjacent, occupied buildings.

"Its a remarkable job how they got in there to do this," he said.

The upper floor of the nearby Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana building sustained some damage, Reith said.

The fire broke out about 3:30 a.m.

[Associated Press]

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