The Akron Woman's City Club will be closed through at least the end of January to all activities for members and non-members as repairs from a kitchen fire are completed.
The club, which opened in 1923, sustained extensive damage to the kitchen and attic above the kitchen in a fire New Year's Eve. Original estimates had damage at about $40,000, but Patricia Brown, first vice president and immediate past president of the club's board of directors said it is more extensive. Insurance officials are working with the club on repairs, she said, and have not established a final damage estimate.
Club officials had hoped to re-open in a limited fashion this week, possibly using catering, since the historic parts of the building were not damaged, but Brown said the decision has been made to keep the club closed, except for perhaps a board meeting.
The fire, which Brown said is still suspected to have started due to an electrical issue, caused the club on West Exchange Street to cancel its New Year's Eve gala.
For the original story on the fire, go here: http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/early-morning-kitchen-fire-at-akron-woman-s-city-club-causes-cancellation-of-new-year-s-eve-gala-1.651214