Fire Damages New Coffeehouse

Flames sparked by an electrical short swept through a historic building in downtown Ventura early Friday, damaging the interior of a recently opened coffeehouse.

The two-alarm fire at Two West Coffee Company on West Main Street broke out at 3:23 a.m. while the business’s owner, Dave Paglia, was inside finishing paperwork, authorities said.

Paglia called the Fire Department, which had the blaze under control by 3:36 a.m. and extinguished by 4:14 a.m., authorities said. No injuries were reported.

The fire was contained to the coffeehouse, which occupies about a quarter of the 7,500-square-foot building. Several artists’ studios are in the rear of the building.

Bob Addison, owner of the building, said the flames caused smoke damage throughout the coffeehouse and charred a corner of the wooden ceiling. The building’s oak floor must be replaced, and the roof must be patched where firefighters cut ventilation holes.

Addison said the building originally housed the Feraud Bakery and was the largest brick structure in Ventura County when it was built in 1903.

“I’m very concerned because we have tried to take very good care of it,” he said.

Addison said Paglia plans to reopen his coffee house once repairs are finished.

Fire officials said a short in electrical wiring in the kitchen and bar area caused the fire. Damage was estimated at $70,000.