CHARLEVOIX — A fire that destroyed a historic Belvedere Club building early Thursday morning is under investigation, and a Charlevoix Township man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
According to an Oct. 23 news release from the Charlevoix City Police Department, troopers from the Michigan State Police observed the Belvedere Club “Casino” fully engulfed in flames around 3:15 a.m. on Oct. 23 in the 200 block of Ferry Avenue.
The Charlevoix Township Fire Department and Lake Charlevoix EMS responded, and the fire was extinguished.
The building was unoccupied at the time and had been closed for the season. The “Casino” was typically used for club gatherings and events during the summer months.
No injuries were reported. Authorities said arson is suspected, and a 44-year-old Charlevoix Township man was arrested in connection with the fire.
Charlevoix Township Fire Chief Dan Thorp said the building was a complete loss.
The case remains under investigation. Agencies assisting at the scene included Charlevoix Cheboygan Emmet County Central Dispatch, Michigan State Police Gaylord Post, Charlevoix Township Fire Department, Lake Charlevoix EMS, Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office, and the Charlevoix City Police Department.