Old Main Post Office Caught Fire Again On Tuesday Morning (Updated)

By Stephen Gossett in News on Nov 22, 2016 5:13PM

Update, 11:35 a.m.:
The Chicago Fire Department reported at around 11:35 a.m. that the fire had been extinguished. No one was injured they said.

An extra-alarm fire broke out yet again at the Old Main Post Office downtown on Tuesday morning, according to the Chicago Fire Department. In what could be a huge traffic headache, Eisenhower Expressway lanes were blocked in both directions at the site as crews battled the blaze.

"This is NOT a drill," fire officials Tweeted as crews responded to the call at 404 W. Harrison St.

The fire department said around 11 a.m. that no injuries had yet been reported and crews were making progress in ventilating the area. NBC 5 reported that witnesses reported glass falling from the building while the fire spread.

The iconic building has caught fire at least four times in as many years now.

601W Companies, the new developers of the historic Art Deco property, which had stood vacant for some 20 years, started renovations earlier in 2016. The sale of the building—which was predicated by a somewhat controversial invocation of eminent domain by the city—came with stipulations from the Mayor's office for strict renovation deadlines, presumably because the building has been so marred with literal flare ups.

The revamp will (eventually) include office space, a three-acre rooftop park, and a publicly accessible riverwalk.

This post will be updated.