Georgia Theatre owner wants to rebuild

ATHENS - Crews worked late into the night on Friday, trying to salvage what remains of the Georgia Theatre after fire heavily damaged the building. The theatre's owner, Gainesville native Will Greene, says he would like to rebuild the landmark that has been at the center of the city's music scene for decades.

"The roof is gone, they're worried about the walls now. Hopefully they can save the walls, but it's not looking good," Greene told Fox 5.

Greene said the building was insured, though he added it's not clear whether insurance will cover the cost of the rebuilding project.

``Even if the insurance pays for it and we can rebuild, it'll never be the same,'' he said. ``They don't build them like that anymore.''

Former owner Bill ``Duck'' Anderson said the building dates back to the late 19th century and once was a YMCA.

The fire did extensive damage to the historic theatre that has featured bands REM and the B-52s, fire chief I.B. George said.

No one was in the building when fire started.

``It appeared to have started on the second floor and broke through the roof shortly thereafter,'' George said. ``It's hard to say if they'll be able to rebuild. There is at least going to be extensive damage.''

Athens-Clarke County Emergency Management coordinator Chuck Gulley said the fire was contained but that the roof of the building had collapsed.

``It's a sad day for downtown Athens,'' said Gulley. ``It's an iconic landmark.''

Gulley said the first firefighters who arrived reported heavy flames in the building and called for backup.

About 50 firefighters responded, and had the flames contained in an hour, Gulley said.

The theatre has hosted concerts by other popular Georgia bands and performers such as Widespread Panic, Sugarland, Jupiter Coyote, the Zac Brown Band, Col. Bruce Hampton, Blueground Undergrass and the Dereck Trucks Band.

Athens-based Perpetual Groove was scheduled to play Friday night. The concert was moved to a nearby venue.

Former Athens Mayor Doc Eldridge said he saw a huge plume of black smoke when he arrived at his nearby office at 7:10 a.m.

``It's definitely a piece of Athens history,'' Eldridge said. ``Since I was a child, we went there to see pictures and it's been a music venue since the 1970s.''

Investigators say it could be days before they determine what caused the fire.

Fox 5 and the Associated Press contributed to this report.