A four-alarm fire destroyed a well-known city nightclub yesterday morning, filling several blocks of Old City with thick black smoke and shutting down traffic in parts of the busy neighborhood for much of the day.At least one wall collapsed at the Five Spot – a complex of four buildings on narrow Bank Street just south of Market Street – and emergency workers were preparing last night to demolish another that looked unstable.
Firefighters needed two hours to control the blaze after it was reported at 9:31 a.m., but they were still dousing the smoky ruins well into the afternoon. No one was injured, but eight people were evacuated from nearby apartments, Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Roeshman said. The cause of the blaze was unclear.
The Five Spot brought an eclectic mix to Old City’s bustling club scene, hosting swing bands and jazz, Latin music and hip-hop. Jill Scott performed at the club, as did jazz trombonist Jeff Bradshaw. The club also presented a monthly burlesque revue, which had been scheduled for last night.
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