A year after fire, Genetti says rebuild only 20% complete [The Citizens' Voice, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.]

Jan. 25—WILKES-BARRE — A year since a deadly fire ravaged the Genetti complex in downtown Wilkes-Barre, renovations are only 20% complete due to delays in obtaining insurance payouts and supply chain issues for parts to replace the building's elevator, the owner said Wednesday.

Gus Genetti, 83, said the 105-room, six-story apartment building connected to his hotel and convention center sustained about $2 million in damage in the fire.

"We are moving along. There were a lot of delays with insurance. We have the insurance money now, but are having issues with labor and delivery," Genetti said. "We can't do much without an elevator."

The Jan. 25 fire killed a 67-year-old man and displaced 125 residents. Last week, the man's daughter filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Genetti and the business, alleging there was no evidence of functioning smoke detectors or fire sprinklers in the building when the fire broke out.

On the one-year anniversary of the fire, Genetti only would say "our legal team will have a response to the allegations soon."

Genetti said he was unaware Wednesday was the one-year anniversary of the blaze at his building, the former Hotel Redington at East Market Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue.

"There's not one day that goes by I don't think about it," Genetti said.

Genetti said contractors have been busy cleaning out debris from and "refreshing" the rooms while working on the electrical infrastructure.

As the rehabilitation continues, the City of Wilkes-Barre's condemnation notice posted after the fire remains on the building's entrance door.

With a working elevator, which could be completed within a few months, Genetti thinks he could have the first three floors of the building occupied.

Following the fire, Genetti vowed to rebuild. At the time, he estimated two thirds of the building could reopen within two months and the entire property could resume operations within six months.

Genetti said there was never any doubt because he loves Wilkes-Barre and his business. He said his tenants are special to him, too.

Genetti said the apartment building catered to those seeking modest living quarters, affordable rent and a place that is in walking distance to downtown amenities.

"A lot of them were keeping McDonald's, Subway and Dunkin' in business," Genetti said.

Just like at a hotel, each single-room apartment was fully furnished and included a small kitchen area with a refrigerator and microwave. The average $700 monthly rent included all utilities, cable television plus HBO, internet and free parking, Genetti said.

Genetti said he's going to continue with the same business model and the rooms were fully booked at the time of the fire.

"People with low incomes don't have a lot of great choices," Genetti said.

Genetti's father purchased the Hotel Redington and conference facility in 1963 and Genetti has been in charge of daily operations since. An additional hotel tower, which is now the Best Western, was added in 1979. Genetti said he rebuilt after the 1972 flood and a devastating fire at the Hotel Redington in 1999.

While Genetti said insurance payout issues led to significant delays this time, he feels his compensation was "adequate" to fund the rebuild.

Contact the writer:

bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com

570-821-2055; @cvbobkal

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