A historic building in downtown Hopkinsville that caught fire Wednesday night has been called a total loss. The Pete Postell Building, located on East Sixth Street was one of the oldest buildings in Hopkinsville and was named after its original owner, Peter Postell, a former slave.
Hopkinsville Mayor Carter Hendricks says Postell became one of the most successful African-American business owners in the city’s history. Hendricks says an investigation into the cause of the fire is still underway.
“At this time I have not heard an official determination. Of course the fire began during the height of a severe thunderstorm and so the early assumption was lightning but that has not been confirmed,” said Hendricks.
The building was used as a grocery store, furniture store, saloon, and barber shop in the late 19th century. It also contained meeting rooms and an assembly hall on the upper level.