Photos courtesy Dennis Freeze Frame Finley Jr.

It’s been nearly five months since an early morning megablaze claimed the historic Star Hotel building, one of the more visually notable fixtures of Fortuna’s Main Street. Since that time, building owner Robert Johnson has endured a lengthy permits process with the aim of completely demolishing the lingering shell of the building that formally housed his business, Green’s Pharmacy. (LoCO previously reported on that dance here.)

Well, demolition day is upon us. This morning, crews were busy tearing down the remaining walls of the first story of the building as Johnson looked on. The rubble will be removed over the next week or so. LoCO superfriend Dennis Freeze Frame Finley Jr. was kind enough to send in the accompanying photos of the death of a Star. 

PREVIOUS FORTUNA FIRE COVERAGE:

• So When Is That Rubble From the Fortuna Star Hotel Fire Going to Be Removed?
• ‘Beauty in the Ashes’
• ‘Fortuna Strong’: Online Fundraising Campaign
• City of Fortuna Fire Update
• Main Street Fire (Afternoon)
• The Fire From Above
• Main Street Fire (Mid Morning)
• Main Street Fire (Early Morning)

Star Hotel owners Mary and Robert Johnson