ELYRIA TWP. — A longtime Elyria-area bar and restaurant location was completely destroyed in a fire overnight, according to the Elyria Township Fire Department.

Fire Lt. Brian Bell said the department responded to 7212 Lake Ave. a little after 1 a.m. and is still investigating.

Upon arrival the first floor of the building was completely involved in fire, according to a Elyria Township Fire Department news release. The fire quickly spread to the second floor, which housed an apartment, the release said.

The fire was declared under control at 3:43 a.m., and crews remained on scene through the morning to extinguish hot spots.

An excavator has been called to tear down the rest of the building for safety reasons.

The Lorain County Fire Investigators have been called in to determine a cause.

Bell said the building has housed a number of restaurants and bars over the years but has been vacant for the past year or so.

The location has housed a number of establishments over the years, including Carey’s Villa, Libra Capri, The Barn and Silver Shadow.

Besides Elyria Township, firefighters from Sheffield Township, Sheffield, Elyria, Avon, Sheffield Lake and Amherst responded. The American Red Cross provided a canteen for the firefighters.

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