SEATTLE – Investigators say a fire that destroyed three restaurants and a coffee shop and damaged a theater was arson.
The Seattle Fire Department says the fire was started in the Green Bean Coffee House last Friday. Investigators do not have a suspect.
Damage is estimated at $2 million.
The three restaurants were C.C. Teriyaki, Szechuan Bistro and Pho Tic Tac.
The Taproot Theater and an adjacent building with apartments on top of it sustained smoke and water damage.
"To set one on fire it's just, it's just baffling. It's just such an evil act against the families that ran those businesses,” said Taproot artistic director Scott Nolte.
Other shops offer sympathy and share their pain.
"People don't know what to think around here. Everything torn down. It's hurting businesses. I know it's hurting us. People look and think everything is gone," said David Harris who works at Consolidated Carpet next door to the theatre.
The pastor of the Sanctuary Church which owns Green Bean Coffee House says they know of no one who would have a motive for arson. They've always felt a lot of love and support from the community. They are baffled as well.
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