HALLOWELL — Firefighters today continued to put water on a stubborn fire that destroyed a landmark restaurant and two apartments Sunday in a historic building on Water Street.

The blaze erupted at about 1 p.m. Sunday, sending about 150 Slates restaurant patrons onto the street.

On Monday, yellow tape cordoned off a block between Academy and Union streets, forcing motorists on U.S Route 201 to detour to Second Street.
Police and firefighters expect the road to be reopened by 4 p.m. today, in time for the evening commute.

Tenants who returned to salvage belongings found charred walls, blackened brick and the taint of smoke. Friends helped load furniture into cars. Slates employees gathered in the nearby Slates Bakery, which will reopen Tuesday or Wednesday, according to Dotti Galley, Slates restaurant manager.

State fire investigators said the blaze apparently began between the ceiling of the restaurant and the second-floor apartment.

Hallowell Fire Chief Mike Grant estimated the damage to the building at $250,000 and said the business loss could be up to $1 million.

Jess Tardy’s Monday night concert at Slates was canceled.