Twice Scorched: A Village at the Intersection of Fire and Fate

STAMFORD — The village of Stamford has recently faced a defining moment in its efforts to revitalize its historic Main Street. Following a devastating fire and a year of legal and structural uncertainty, the partial collapse of the remaining structure at 60–64 Main Street in April 2026 has brought long-simmering tensions between public safety and property rights to a head.

History of the "Painted Ladies"

For decades, the adjacent buildings at 60 and 64 Main Street were cornerstones of the village’s commercial district. These three-story structures, often referred to as "Painted Ladies" due to their historic Victorian-style architecture, represented the village’s late-19th-century growth. 64 Main Street served as a hub for local commerce, most recently housing Windstar Realty, while 60 Main Street was the home of the popular Halfacre Restaurant, a local favorite for residents and tourists alike.   

The Fire of October 2025

While the village had already suffered a major blaze in December 2023, the buildings were further crippled by a second, smaller fire in October 2025. This incident exacerbated existing structural damage, leading the Village of Stamford to condemn the properties. The site remained a hollowed-out shell for months, with security fencing barely concealing the charred remains that many locals considered an eyesore and a safety hazard.

New Ownership and Legal Battles

In 2024, following the initial 2023 fire, the properties had been acquired for $2,000 by 60 Main Stamford LLC and 64 Main Stamford LLC, entities associated with regional investor , Waled Haredy. From the start, many villagers expressed skepticism that the site could be rehabilitated.

In early 2026, the Stamford Village Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) delivered a critical determination. The owners had appealed for variances to delay demolition and attempt a partial reconstruction. However, the ZBA denied these requests, citing the owner’s failure to meet safety codes and the continued risk of structural failure. The board’s resolution effectively paved the way for the village to proceed with its own demolition plans.

The Collapse and Mayor’s Response

The structural debate became moot on April 14, 2026, when a section of the upper facade and interior floors at 60 Main Street spontaneously collapsed during a period of heavy rain. No injuries were reported, as the area had been cordoned off, but the event forced the emergency closure of a portion of Main Street.

Village Mayor Rob Schneider addressed the community shortly after the collapse. He expressed frustration with the lack of progress, stating that the village "could no longer wait for miracles" from owners who had failed to act. Schneider confirmed that the village would move forward with borrowing $300,000 to complete the demolition of the remains, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and adjacent businesses.

The Intersection of Fire and Fate

The Village of Stamford has experienced two major fires on Main Street in recent years, significantly impacting the downtown area and local businesses.

On December 1, 2023, a massive fire destroyed 60 and 64 Main Street. Almost exactly two years later, on December 17, 2025, another major fire broke out across the street at 73 Main Street, a three-story building containing apartments and a plumbing and heating business owned by John Miller.   The fire started in the attic area around 3:24 p.m. and quickly escalated due to the building's age and proximity to other structures—one building sat only 18 inches away.   Fifteen fire departments assisted. To protect the village's municipal water supply, engines drafted water from Rexmere Pond and used tankers to supplement hydrants. All residents and pets evacuated safely; one firefighter was hospitalized for observation but later released. The community responded overwhelmingly to these events with local groups organizing housing and donations for the displaced families.

The legacy of the two major fires at 60 and 64 Main Street serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Stamford’s historic landscape. While these addresses now sit as a "long road to rubble," they are far from the only landmarks facing such a precarious future. Other historic structures remain threatened by the dual specters of fire and structural collapse, including the Westholme Hotel, which was recently demolished after falling into severe disrepair, and the Scotch Mist, which left behind hazardous debris following its own removal. Furthermore, the village’s architectural heritage is further strained by the derelict condition of many of the historic buildings that remain. Even the Historic Hobart Inn located on Main Street in Hobart, an incorporated village located entirely within the Town of Stamford and thought to be the oldest building in the area—stands at a critical "point of no return," underscoring an urgent need for revitalization before more of Stamford's history "goes down with the ship".