BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — It was supposed to be a new working space offering more than 9,000 square feet of opportunity, but on Labor Day, the “Toucan” building in downtown Bakersfield was gutted.
Two weeks ago, International Workplace Group announced the building at 19th and N Streets that started as a bus station would now host private offices, meeting rooms and a place for company startups.
The space was expected to open late next year to what would’ve been up to 30 new businesses, but the homeless got there first.
However, this is just one of many buildings burned up in downtown Bakersfield by vacant fires –many being historical landmarks.
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“Arson units are on scene conducting an investigation for fire cause and origin,” said Battalion Chief Chris Bowles with the Bakersfield Fire Department.
Most of the owners of the burned buildings say the cause of the many fires is the homeless.
“The buildings were searched for any occupants, and results were negative on anybody still inside the structure,” said Bowles.