Fire destroys Mexicantown Flea Market on Detroit's southwest side
Posted:
Updated:
By Robin Schwartz Fox 2 News
DETROIT (WJBK) -- From SkyFox, flames could be seen shooting out of the Mexicantown Flea Market on Federal as crews worked to put out the fire, which started around 1:00 a.m. Monday. The building, a landmark in southwest Detroit, is completely destroyed.
George Mills has sold furniture there for the last seven years. He said the market was about to close and vendors had been told to leave.
"Business is bad. It's been bad, but the reason they're closing, I really didn't get the whole story, but I'm pretty sure it's about losing money, you know, and just no customers (anymore)."
Vendors said they were told different things by the market's owner. Some thought the building was sold, others thought he couldn't afford it anymore, and now the fire, which has left some sellers wondering.
"I have to admit it (doesn't) look right. It looks bad, but I'm not the judge of that," Mills remarked.
Another vendor, who sold antiques in the building, said she has her own problems with the owner. She said he gave her a bad check for $425 that bounced Monday.
"I think that he knew that the money wasn't in there to begin with when he gave us the check," said Irene Jacob.
"There was no business at all. We would sit there and not sell anything," she added. "It was good at one time, but I think it was just going down."
We were not able to reach the market's owner for comment. We're told he also owns a neighboring building.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:55:56 GMT
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
Friday, June 14 2013 7:45 PM EDT2013-06-14 23:45:59 GMT
Thousands of police and fire retirees could face painful cuts to their pension and healthcare benefits because Detroit does not have the money to live up to its obligations.
Thousands of police and fire retirees could face painful cuts to their pension and healthcare benefits because Detroit does not have the money to live up to its obligations.
Friday, June 14 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-06-14 22:31:19 GMT
Highland Park police shut down an adult bookstore where they say illegal sex was also for sale. Fox 2 talked to a former security guard about the things he witnessed.
Highland Park police shut down an adult bookstore where they say illegal sex was also for sale. Fox 2 talked to a former security guard about the things he witnessed.
Thursday, June 13 2013 8:19 PM EDT2013-06-14 00:19:03 GMT
Vandals target a popular place for children in Detroit. They broke in and damaged a recreation center on the city's east side, and it is bad timing for a local sports league.
Vandals target a popular place for children in Detroit. They broke in and damaged a recreation center on the city's east side, and it is bad timing for a local sports league.
Thursday, June 13 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-13 22:51:57 GMT
Detroit's police and fire pension board makes a controversial move. The board's former attorney was indicted in a bribery scandal. They have now voted in a new attorney loosely connected to the scandal himself.
Detroit's police and fire pension board makes a controversial move. The board's former attorney was indicted in a bribery scandal involving Kwame Kilpatrick. They have now voted in a new attorney loosely connected to the scandal himself.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:03 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:03:28 GMT
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:00 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:00:10 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:41 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:41:47 GMT
FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss. Once again, the search was futile.
For at least the third time in a decade, FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss. Once again, the search was futile.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:32 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:32:27 GMT
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a bill giving local governments in Michigan power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a bill giving local governments in Michigan power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:24 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:24:16 GMT
Kolcraft is recalling more than 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers after at least 18 people were injured by tire blowouts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.
Kolcraft is recalling more than 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers after at least 18 people were injured by tire blowouts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:40 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:40:48 GMT
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:45:33 GMT
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
205 N. Michigan Avenue Ground Floor Chicago, IL 60601 Station Operator: (312) 565-5532 Newsroom: (312)565-5533
