State Bridge Lodge, CO- RIP

[sftc]

They say they are gonna rebuild, but they can't replace one of the all-time Colorado Classics.

RIP State Bridge Lodge, thanks for the memories:

http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/loc...153182257.html

Fire Destroys 117-Year-Old Mountain Lodge

Andrea Lopez
Reporting

(AP) BOND, Colo. A fire at State Bridge River Resort early Saturday destroyed the 117-year-old main lodge, an attached house and an outbuilding, but no injuries were reported.

Firefighters were investigating what caused the blaze and had no immediate estimate of damage.

Onsite manager John Ryder, his dog and a couple staying at one of the resort's cabins were able to leave.

"Something woke me up. I looked at the clock, and it said 4:28 (a.m.)," Ryder said. "I tried to go back to sleep, but my dog wouldn't let me. When I finally opened my eyes, they started burning."

Ryder went outside and saw the bar and deck on fire but said he was unable to retrieve personal items, including pictures and items his late father gave him.

"I tried to go back in, but the smoke and fire were already too much," Ryder said.

Ryder drove 4 miles to Rancho del Rio to call for help.

State Bridge, 11 miles north of Wolcott on the Colorado River, has been a popular gathering place since 1890.

"There are Native American tracings all over the place," general manager and co-owner Scott Stoughton said. "Then the pioneers came, and then the railroad. All those people got together here."

It now hosts summer concerts, kayakers, boaters and fishermen.

Stoughton said State Bridge shows would continue if possible. A show Saturday night was moved to a lounge in Vail that Stoughton also runs.


(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. )

[cmsummit]

just heard about this.

what a bummer.

[Tippster]

OH NO! Goddamn it - I LOVED that place! I worked right upstream from there (rancho del Rio) for a Summer doing whitewater photography. We used to do happy hour on their deck every Fri. and Sat.!

That sucks. I hope they rebuild it.

[Pinner]

To all the amazing supporters of State Bridge Lodge,

As I am sure most of you heard the historic State Bridge Lodge caught on fire at 4:30am Saturday morning, June 2nd. The most important thing is that no one was hurt in the fire, but a few employees lost everything. I cannot put into words at this time they way we all feel about such a huge loss, especially those of us who have put in many many years of blood, sweat and tears to passionately strive to make State Bridge the beautiful and prosperous place it deserves to be.

I am truly blown away by the massive amounts of emails, text messages, phone messages and passing words of kindness and encouragement in this tough time. EVERYONE HAS OFFERED TO HELP IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER AND I WILL TAKE YOU ALL UP ON THIS! This has touched me more than anything and has kept all of our spirits high.

I am obviously overwhelmed right now and will up date the web site in a few days with more information about the future but here is what I have figured out so far.

The BANYAN plus dj J. BOOGIE AND dj IVY show which was slated for State Bridge today is going to be performed at my other club in Vail called Samana Lounge…I hope everyone can come out and share stories about the lodge and hear some insane music…Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction and Brian Jordan of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe are part of the act and they are killer…there might even be some guest appearances!

Samana is located next to the covered bridge in down town Vail Village – SHOWTIME 9PM!

I am working on bringing some of the upcoming artists to Samana for some intimate shows; Karl Denson has said he’ll do anything to help, as have many many other artists!

I hope to clear the land at State Bridge next week preserving all the original stones from the foundation and with some luck from Eagle County will attempt to put up a tent and hold shows out there starting with the Radiators…I WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

Thank you all very much again for all the love you have put out there, I hope to see you soon! MANY MORE UPDATES TO COME THIS WEEK!


With love & respect!

Scott Stoughton & State Bridge Lodge

[mr_gyptian]

It's a pretty sad site. there is literally nothing left. It smelled like camp fire from play it again rapid on to the state bridge take out.

luckily no one was hurt and that it was contained for the most part.

[smolakian]

That really sucks. I LOVED that place. My favorite venue in the world. I hope that it can be rebuilt. I know a lot of people with a lot of memories from there.

[mantraskier]

Particle was supposed to play there next week. Last years show out there was top 5 Ihave ever seen. Was definitley looking forward to this year. Lots of great shows were scheduled this summer...RIP.

[homerjay]

Tragic. RIP.

At least we have eighty-one-fi- oh, nevermind.

[mantraskier]

I have heard some of the shows might be moved to the massive venue of Samana...where oh where will our shows be held???????

[homerjay]

Maybe that lil' park by the river in Min'urn?

Wailers at Ford Park should be decent at least.

"Let's Rodeo"

[Rideski]

BOND – Investigators from Eagle County and the Colorado Bureau of Investigations have ruled arson as the cause of a fire that destroyed the historic State Bridge Lodge.

During its investigation last week, CBI said an arson dog indicated the presence of hydrocarbons, which are found in accelerant chemicals that make fires burn faster.

According to investigators, CBI lab tests have yet to confirm the presence of accelerants, but if confirmed, they hope it will help to determine where the fire started in the 100-plus-year-old structure.

Authorities say they have narrowed down the fire's point of origin to the northeast corner of the building.

Det. Brandon Beaudette of the Eagle County Sheriff's Office says the evidence they found revealed obvious signs of intentional criminal activity.

The fire was discovered shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, when the only occupant of the lodge smelled smoke, saw the fire and called 911. The man evacuated, was not injured, but did lose his home and many personal items.

Authorities say they will continue to investigate throughout the coming weeks to see if any additional charges may be merited.

Currently, investigators say suspects could face the charge of first-degree arson in the blaze that destroyed the structure valued at an estimated $2 million. The charge is a class-three felony.

Deputies have not charged anyone in connection to the arson fire, and the Eagle County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information resulting in an arrest or indictment of any suspect in the case.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and should call 1-800-962-TIPS or 970-328-7007 with any information.

In addition to CBI, the ATF, the Greater Eagle Fire Protection District and the Eagle County Road and Bridge assisted in the investigation.

[mantraskier]

Just what the Vail Valley needs....another arson investigation. Should be interesting to see how it unfolds. Statebridge will be back and i know i will be at sevearl shows this summer as soon as they get it going. Particle is still coming to samana this saturday...should be sweet.