Horrible news: Realtor, community members say hotel fire is a big loss for Winnipeg – Winnipeg [Video]

A vacant Winnipeg hotel destroyed by a fire on Wednesday was to be turned into housing, a local realtor says.

Brad Gross says he recently sold the now-demolished former Sutherland Hotel to a buyer who planned to convert the historic building, built in 1882, to housing.

“You know, these empty buildings are tough to sell — I’m not going to be skirting around that one,” Gross told 680 CJOB’s Connecting Winnipeg. “It’s unfortunate to see it all go up in smoke.

“I did get it sold, and we had the paperwork, the deposit cheque coming, and the possession date coming up in a few months here … and then this happens. It’s horrible news.”

Gross said the hotel, when renovated, could have been a solid money-making investment for the buyer.

“Each room at $600 times 50, it’s easy math — and plus you have the commercial on the main (floor),” he said.

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