Metropolitan owners shocked over loss of 'jewel'

The owners of the Metropolitan Building had put their "heart and soul" into the renovation that was just months from completion, until the building collapsed today.

Bob Ballsrud, who owns the building with George Grubb and Jeff Mellander, said he learned of the fire by phone at about 6:10 a.m.

Also on this date

• Roads open, cleanup finished at site of downtown fire
• Tank mishap temporarily closes U.S. 150
• One Main worker becomes firefighter
• Champaign school district files plans for reform
• Chief group gets trademark warning
• Council candidate emerges from southeast Urbana
• Spokesfamily for Tree of Hope thrilled with help that they got
• Violation of rules at St. Joseph recycling site leads to closure
• Villa Grove excited about playoffs
• Obituaries

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