Cherry Grove Landmarks Destroyed in Fire

[Kad]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 8:20am

"A massive early morning fire destroyed two Fire Island landmarks -- the Ice Palace bar and the Holly House Hotel -- on Friday, with two firefighters being transported to mainland hospitals with minor injuries."
Officials: Blaze destroys club, hotel in Cherry Grove

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 8:29am

I'm unreasonably sad about this. Every summer, if I'm not at the house or on the beach, I'm at the Ice Palace.

[Jane2]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 9:25am

I have many fond memories of the fun and wild times I had at the Ice Palace.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 10:00am

Nothing unreasonable about your sadness, growl. I'm suppose to head out tomorrow to finally secure a house...I need to reach out to Realtor Friend to see what's what.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 10:22am

Let us know what you find out, Robbie baby.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 10:31am

I'll keep you guys, posted. I was super pissed last week when we went out and found a full season rental that was apparently already rented by the time we got back to the mainland. Something like this puts sh*t in perspective.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 10:46am

Even the rentals come and go quickly there.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 11:19am

Why does it seem that these fires take place during the off-season? Wasn't there another fire there a couple of years ago?

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 11:27am

The hotel that burned down is not the one that is attached to the Ice Palace is it?

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 11:34am

It is. Thought I've heard the Ice Palace itself has been spared, so we'll see how this all plays out. I have friends who work at the Ice Palace, so I'm hoping they'll still be able to make their livings/do their shows. Ferry service is running so I'll be out there tomorrow morning. If all goes well, I'll come back with a half share and the resolve to rebuild.

Oh the sex I've had in those rooms that have burned!

[Kad]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 11:35am

I hope the pizza place and the ice cream parlor are at least saved. Bacon cheeseburger pizza might ease the pain.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 11:55am

Apparently, the Ice Palace was not damaged.
Initial reports indicated that another landmark, the Ice Palce, was damaged, but fire officials said Friday that it wasn't damaged.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 12:14pm

Then I'll see you at the underwear party. I'm assuming pasta night is still on.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 12:34pm

I've never been to Fire Island but for some reason I just heaved a sigh of relief.

[Tom1071]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 12:36pm

Phew!...about The Ice Palace.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 12:42pm

Last year, I was walking into the underwear party, tripped on the very small step, and totally bit it. A nice scruffy guy helped me up. I then danced with a bloody knee for a few hours.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 12:46pm

If it's any consolation, you looked graceful when you hit the ground.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 1:43pm

I was devastated this morning when I saw the CBS TV news report that the Ice Palace had been "destroyed."

And it was the Pavillion in the Pines that burned down a few years ago.

I have had wonderful (and horrible) experiences in both places, but they represented times in my life that I escaped the city summer for fun and met hundreds of other people who also needed to unwind and let go. I don't want those places ever to stop existing. They are part of what makes life bearable.

[Jane2]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 2:43pm

My wildest and out of control times were at both the Ice Palace and in the Pines. Went there most summers during the 70s and some 80's. Glad I was around during those prime times at Fire Island.

NAMO-shame on you!

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 3/27/15 at 6:06pm

Kad, OMG, I TOTALLY forgot about that. Amazing.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 3/30/15 at 10:54am

I went on Saturday. It was cold and snowing and kinda beautiful and kinda depressing.

The devastation to the houses on Holly is shocking. Three houses completely destroyed. The strip of rooms of the Grove Hotel were also gutted. Amazingly, the front desk area, poppers store and all of the Ice Palace were untouched. It seemed like the pool area was pretty well preserved, too. It'll be a fascinating summer...but I'm sure the Ice Palace will be open for business. One of the locals said that the wreckage should be cleared in a week. Certainly nothing will be built by this summer, but that the skeletal remains of the hotel should be cleaned up at least.

In other news, I booked a crappily charming two bedroom apartment on the beach for a half share. It's got great outdoor space, so all y'all are invited for cocktails! In other other news, I'm almost certain its a nudist colony, so feel free to check your swim trunks at the door!

Updated On: 3/30/15 at 10:54 AM

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 3/30/15 at 10:58am

I got this email from The Grove Hotel today.

Esteemed Guests and Patrons,
This has been a difficult time for our Ice Palace & Grove Hotel family. Early Friday morning March 27 a fire swept through the Grove Hotel destroying the building.

The Ice Palace Nightclub was undamaged thanks to the amazing efforts of the Cherry Grove Fire Department as well as other neighboring departments. The Cherry Grove Fire Department's knowledge and training helped them contain the fire to the west side of the property. Sadly the fire consumed the hotel as well as homes on Holly Walk.

The Grove Hotel has been a gay hotel for over 59 Years and has had famous guests like Lady Gaga, Liza Minelli and countless Drag Superstars. We are still processing our emotions over this loss but assure the gay community we will rise from these ashes and rebuild.

Once our engineers evaluate the property we will announce the 2015 season opening of the Ice Palace Nightclub. Thank you to everyone for your kind words, love and support.

Dr Frank Liguori and the entire staff of the Grove Hotel

Lady Gaga stayed there??

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 3/30/15 at 11:15am

Maybe it was one of the drag superstars.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 3/30/15 at 11:56am

I'm sad to hear about the Grove hotel, but glad that the damage wasn't larger, and that other buildings remain intact.

Robbie, Robbie, Robbie. . . Memorial Day can't get here fast enough.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/30/15 at 12:00pm

And tell them Liza Minnelli sings a song about how to spell her name. They should listen to it sometime.

But I'm glad the Ice Palace was saved.