Replacement Proposed For Manchester Building Wrecked By Fire

MANCHESTER, CT — Plans are in the works to replace a building in Manchester wrecked by fire over the winter.

Las week, a Planning and Zoning Commission application was submitted for a Special Exception Modification for construction of a new structure to replace the former Capitol Auto building, along with "associated site improvements."

The parcel sits at 369 and 373 Main St.

Here's a look at the plans:

The fire was on Dec. 8.

At about 9:30 that morning, firefighters encountered an intense blaze on the single-story structure and had to deploy multiple hoses and three ladder trucks, authorities said. A "heavy volume" of flames could be seen in the auto sales and repair areas of the building, fire officials said.

An off-duty Manchester firefighter was passing the scene at the time of the call and was able to rescue a person who was trapped behind a door, fire officials said.

The fire spread to a neighboring property at 11 Strant St., but was quickly knocked down, effectively saving that building, but one family was displaced, officials said.

Several collapses occurred at the Capitol Automotive building, officials said.