BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The former Amestoy's building in Bakersfield is no more after it was torn down.
BEFORE
AFTER
The once-popular Amestoy's on the Hill closed its doors in June of 2019. The popular bar had been a staple of the community, holding events including the Chili Verde Cookoff.
However, after the business closed the building fell into disrepair. The building caught fire multiple times in 2020.
In September 2020, Bakersfield City Fire Department Battalion Chief Public Information Officer Michael Walkley, who had already been to three fires at the building said that the fires appeared to linked to transients living in the building. The building would also catch fire in October and December of 2020.
In a statement, Al Rojas, program manager for Kern County Public Works, said that the building was torn down after the owner failed to make repairs.
"After four fires the structure sustained more than 75% damage and was declared unsafe. The owner was notified as required by law of the violation on the property but did not respond to orders to make repairs or demolish. The County proceeded with demolition of the unsafe structure and clean-up of the property."
No word on what will happen to the property.
