The Oakland Building Fire

The Oakland building was one of Lansing oldest and largest structures. It was located at the corner of Capitol and Michigan Avenues, on the site of the current Olds Hotel. On Friday morning, December 22, 1923, fire swept through the structure.

A milkman who was beginning his delivery route sounded the fire alarm at 5:10 am. At that time the flames were already through the roof.

Due to a stiff wind that was blowing at the time, several small fires were started in the vicinity of the Oakland Building. All available fire equipment was rushed to the area and these small fires were brought under control. Several large embers, however, were carried in the wind about a mile to the east of the downtown area to the consternation of the residents. The citizens of Lansing extinguished these small fires and the threat of a citywide conflagration was prevented.

By 7:45 am Friday morning, the flames were contained, but the building was essentially gutted.

The greatest fear the firemen had was that the walls of the building would collapse due to the lack of internal support.

At about 8:00 am on Friday morning the east wall collapsed caving in the roof of the next building to the east, which was occupied by the McConnell & Clark Millinery. Damage to the Oakland building was estimated at $300,000. Fire Chief Hugo Delfs was of the opinion that the blaze began under the Regent Theater's stage and swept up through the building. The Honey Bunch Musical Comedy Company was performing at the Regent Theater and their featured comedian Curley Burns puts the company's losses at between $25,000 and $50,000.

The demolition of the building was begun by the Reniger Construction Company and in its place would be built the Hotel Olds.