Modesto, Calif. — A beloved landmark in downtown Modesto, the historic building that once housed the Franklin and Downs Funeral Homes, was severely damaged by fire early Tuesday morning. The blaze, which also included a reported explosion that sent the building’s roof into the front lawn, has left the structure, known locally as Colonial Chapel, likely beyond repair.
The fire, reported at approximately 6:45 a.m. at the corner of 12th and G streets, saw emergency crews rushing to the site where they were met with towering flames engulfing the structure. Witnesses at the scene described a dramatic explosion that led to the roof collapsing shortly after firefighters arrived. Despite the chaotic scene, Modesto Fire Department Captain Joe Spani confirmed that no injuries were reported among the emergency responders.
The Colonial Chapel, also historical as the Perley Mansion, has stood as a testament to Modesto’s past since its construction in 1895 by George Perley Stone, a prominent banker of the era. After serving as Stone’s residence for over 30 years, the mansion was sold and converted into a funeral home during the early 20th century, marking the beginning of its long service in the mortuary business.
Over the decades, the property changed hands, first transforming into the Sovern Funeral Home under the management of county coroner George Sovern, then eventually becoming the Franklin and Downs Funeral Home in the mid-1940s. This change heralded a significant modification to the building’s facade in 1948, when the original turret was removed and a colonial-style frontage was added. It continued operating under this guise until 2016.
David Seymour, executive director of the McHenry Museum and Historical Society, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the structure, noting its role in the community and its architectural significance. The building, characterized by its unique blend of original structure and later modifications, included a full basement and attic, features that added complexity to firefighting efforts.
The task of extinguishing the fire was arduous. Crews battled the inferno for roughly an hour before declaring it under control, though complete extinguishment and cooling down of the site took several additional hours. The combination of the building’s historic design and the severity of the fire posed substantial challenges to the firefighters.
The recent owners, the Stanislaus County Office of Education, had undertaken efforts to preserve and restore the historic property before this catastrophic incident. The fire’s cause remains under investigation, with authorities focused on determining its origin and assessing whether the initial explosion was a contributing factor.
As the community comes to terms with the potential loss of a piece of its historical fabric, city officials and residents await further details on the investigation. Meanwhile, the fire’s impact underscores the vulnerability of heritage sites and the ongoing need for strategies aimed at preserving such landmarks for future generations.