Demolition set for historic Altoona homes damaged by fire

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — More than eight months after a fire heavily damaged a row of historic homes along Fifth Avenue’s Knickerbocker Row, Altoona city officials have set a date for demolition work to begin.

According to City Manager Christopher McGuire, the Oct. 2, 2025 fire caused significant damage to the center building and spread to the neighboring homes, raising concerns about the stability of the entire row.

“The amount of fire that damaged the middle building and spread to the adjacent buildings on each side, we’re seriously worried about the structural integrity being compromised,” McGuire said.

To ensure the demolition is completed safely, the city has brought in structural engineers to determine the best method for removing the damaged structure while minimizing the risk to surrounding buildings.

“We want to make sure that this is done in a very controlled manner. The last thing that we want to see is more historic buildings damaged. And then if there is the ability to preserve the end unit that did suffer some fire damage, if that can be saved in the process,” McGuire said.

The demolition process has also been complicated by the ongoing fire investigation. Officials have not yet determined the fire’s point of origin, and the case remains open.

“Evidence has to be preserved, and the fire investigators need to get in, both from the insurance company and the city’s fire investigator,” McGuire said.

Property owners of the buildings adjacent to the center home were given the option to either repair or demolish their structures. At least one owner has elected to move forward with demolition.

Demolition work is scheduled to begin July 1.