MELROSE—A four alarm fire that started this morning around 5AM at a Dunkin’ Donuts quickly spread and destroyed five other businesses before the FDNY could get it under control.
The blaze and the resulting FDNY and NYPD response in the area closed off several blocks on Third Avenue between 153rd and 156th streets as crews worked to contain the fire.
Luckily, no casualties were reported nor were any injuries but unfortunately an entire strip of businesses have been wiped out including the beloved high-end African fabric store Holland Textiles.
When Holland Textiles opened up ten years ago, it was one of three in the world joined by its sister locations in London and Paris and customers from all across the African diaspora flocked to The Bronx to get some of the best African print fabrics money could by.
Stepping into the store was always a joy, as it felt like wandering through a living exhibit of Africa’s rich colors and fabrics. These beautiful textiles would eventually transform into dresses and garments, bringing life and vibrancy to the diverse communities of The Bronx and beyond.
It’s truly a shame to lose such a special and unique store that was the only one of its kind not just in New York City but all of North America.
Some of the other business that were destroyed was a take out Chinese restaurant, a furniture store, a smoke shop, and an electronics store.
The damage to the building was so severe that you can see that the roof collapsed in some of the stores.
Hopefully some of these businesses can find spaces nearby and maybe the landlord can quickly rebuild and welcome them back but no word on what will become of the property has been mentioned.
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