Multi-Story Main Street Structure that Caught Fire in March Sees Demolition of Large Brick Building Begin
By Jeff Toquinto on December 11, 2025
For those concerned about the future status of the Leeson’s Import Motors storage building on Main Street, good news officially arrived Wednesday morning.
The multi-story structure, which suffered considerable damage in a fire March 23, is in the process of being demolished. Contractors arrived 
on the site Wednesday after a demolition permit was filed several weeks ago.
on the site Wednesday after a demolition permit was filed several weeks ago.
B&K Land Works is overseeing the project. They are in Tunnelton, which is in Preston County. Workers were seen leaving the site just prior to noon, but may have been going to lunch. It is likely work will begin after machinery is gathered and preparation is done.
“We are pleased to see that (Leeson’s) is taking care of the burned structure, which is now unfortunately a dilapidated structure,” said Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr.
The permit cost of demolishing the structure is $45,000. While the cost is low, the time needed to remove the structure will be much longer than usual.
“This demo will probably take longer than any normal demolition due to the restrictions of the railroad being behind the building and then Route 50, or our Main Street, being in front of the building,” said Kerr. “They will have to take that building down, almost, brick by brick from
the top down. It’s not going to be a fast process.”
the top down. It’s not going to be a fast process.”
Typical demolition sites will see large equipment such as a bulldozer or an end loader being utilized. Those heavy pieces of machinery often level the structures in a few days or often in one day or less.
“We are thankful to the Leesons for taking care of this property and all of their properties,” said Kerr. “They’ve been great business owners within the City of Bridgeport. We appreciate them taking care of this quickly.”
The March blaze took several hours to get under control. Upon arrival by Bridgeport Fire personnel, which is located a few blocks away, then Deputy Chief Greg Pigg said fire was coming out of the first and second floor windows on the side that faces the railroad tracks. Crews also
encountered heavy fire and heat when making their way into the front door of the building. However, once inside, progress was made, and the fire was eventually put out.
encountered heavy fire and heat when making their way into the front door of the building. However, once inside, progress was made, and the fire was eventually put out.
Since then, the windows have been boarded up. The sidewalk in front of the structure was temporarily closed as well.
Clarksburg, Shinnston, Nutter Fort, Spelter, Stonewood and Boothsville all responded to the scene of the fire to assist. Assistance is part of the mutual aid agreements in place between multiple cities and communities.
Editor's Note: Top photo, courtesy of Patty Wells, shows fire shooting from the back windows of the structure. Seconde photo shows fire personnel working to get the blaze under control. Bottom image shows the buiding as it looked at noon Wednesday, Dec. 10.
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