Fire Destroys Historic Willowbrook Ballroom

WILLOW SPRINGS, IL — A fire tore through Willowbrook Ballroom in Willow Springs Friday afternoon, reducing the beloved venue to ashes.

Photos from crews on the scene showed flames tearing through the building at 8900 Archer, with black smoke visible for miles.

The fire started on the roof around 2 p.m., WGN reports. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, and faced issues due to the building's bowstring truss roof—which prevented them from going inside—and poor water supply.

The ballroom opened in 1921.

"The loss of this historical building is a loss to the community," said Willow Springs Fire Chief Daniel Niemeyer. "A thorough investigation of the cause of this fire has begun and will be ongoing."

Photos courtesy of Tri-State Fire District