The House of Art, a popular Raleigh bar and venue, burned down last week, and Raleigh police have arrested and charged a woman in connection with the blaze.
Eva Marie Torrellas, 59, was charged with “felony burning of an unoccupied commercial structure” in connection with the fire at House of Art, a well-known Raleigh bar at 306 East Hargett Street in Downtown Raleigh.
According to authorities, the fire broke out about 3 a.m. on Jan. 7. Both the Raleigh Fire Department and police department responded to the call and were at the scene.
House of Art posted the surveillance footage to their business’ Instagram the day after the fire, showing the suspect leave just before the building went up in flames. According to their caption, the building was mostly destroyed.
Supporters of the business came together to host a benefit concert at The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh Tuesday to help rebuild the once-cherished space. The concert happened just a few hours after the arrest was announced.
Operating as a bar and venue, House of Art is known for its creative space where the community, artists and musicians come together. Most recently, House of Art hosted ‘St. Nick’s Christmas House,’ a favorite Christmas pop-up in the community.
House of Art is asking for donations and social media shares on its Instagram, saying “Thank you for believing in what House of Art stands for. Together, we’ll bring it back to life.”
Torrellas was booked at the Wake County Detention Center, and her first court appearance is set for Jan. 15. Her bond was set at $250,000, according to online jail records.
