Trout Club owner unsure if building can be saved

• Newark Fire Chief Pat Connor said the fire caused an estimated $350,000 to $400,000 in damage.
• Owner Brent Dewey began an extensive renovation and improvement project to the facility a year ago.

NEWARK – Trout Club Public Resort owner Brent Dewey said Tuesday the clubhouse building damaged in an early Saturday morning fire may have to be demolished, making it unclear when the facility can reopen for business.

Fire crews from the Newark Fire Department, and five other departments providing mutual aid, responded to the 5:35 a.m. Saturday call to 2250 Horns Hill Road, with flames visible in the rear of the newly renovated building. The fire caused extensive structural damage to the rear southeast corner and smoke damage throughout the building, which includes a restaurant and bar.

Newark Fire Chief Pat Connor said the fire caused an estimated $350,000 to $400,000 in damage. A specific cause has not been determined, but it has been ruled accidental, Connor said. The origin was near the ice freezer in a basement area, the chief said.

The basement area, where golf carts used to be stored, is located below the TC Lounge, a tavern with a historic bar.

Dewey said it's difficult to say when the business could reopen, but it may be possible to have golf only at some point next year.

"The building could be torn down," Dewey said. "The whole building may need to be remodeled at some point. We have no idea if we'll remodel or need a whole new building."

Dewey purchased the business in August 2014, and one year ago began an extensive renovation and improvement project costing more than $3 million to the entire property and more than $1 million to the building, he said.

The new facility opened in May and Dewey said business had been very good, with numerous holiday events scheduled for December and weddings scheduled for next year. The holiday events have been canceled, he said, and the impact on weddings remains uncertain.

"It will definitely not open up until spring or summer," Dewey said. But, he said, putting any timetable on reopening is not possible.

The front of the building and main dining room was mostly spared, but significant damage to the kitchen prevents the dining room from re-opening, Dewey said. There is soot and smoke damage throughout the building.

Flames visible to an area resident who made the emergency call were exiting the garage area and traveling up the side of the building, Connor said.

kmallett@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8545

Twitter: @kmallett1958