Fire severely damages House of Art in downtown Raleigh: 'Our hearts are shattered'

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- As the House of Art sat destroyed by fire on the corner of Person and Hargett Street across from Moore Square in downtown Raleigh, its owner, Mikhail Wright still had the heart to talk about his business.

"I describe the House of Art as the heartbeat of Raleigh," said owner Mikhail Wright. "It's the only place I know where everyone from everywhere can come together, communicate and talk, network and discuss art."

The fire broke out around 3 a.m. Tuesday. More than 30 firefighters responded to the blaze, according to the Raleigh Fire Department.

The fire caused severe damage to the front of the business.

"People are online literally crying and mourning like someone died," said Wright. "It's everybody's home. I created that. If you're White, Black, Asian, gay or straight, it doesn't matter. Everybody knows you can come here and be comfortable."

House of Art, a "non-traditional museum" located in a historic house, offered visitors a chance to enjoy drinks, music, and various events. Recently, it hosted the St. Nick's Pop-Up Bar for the holiday season.

"Thanks to Raleigh's incredible firefighters, they were already on the scene before the call even came through," the business said on social media. "Their quick response saved what they could, and we're grateful that no one was hurt. But, our hearts are shattered."

The fire department said one of its engines was returning from another call when the crew noticed smoke from the House of Art. When they got there, the porch was engulfed in flames.

Surveillance video shared by Wright's staff shows a woman stopping in front of the House of Art as a car drove by. She proceeds to walk up while carrying what appears to be a bag in one hand and a book in the other. A short time later, she is seen exiting the porch as what appears to be smoke blows in front of the camera.

"I've been messed with a lot. For this to happen it's not even a surprise. It's sad to say, but I'm not surprised," Wright said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.