NORTH RANDALL, Ohio — The former Magic Johnson movie theater at Randall Park Mall was heavily damaged Thursday night by a fire.
The fire started around 9:30 p.m. in the concession area of the now-vacant building and spread to a one of the theaters, Bedford Heights Fire Chief Ken Ledford said.
When fire crews arrived, flames and heavy smoke were coming from the top of the building, Ledford said.
Firefighters from North Randall, Bedford, Bedford Heights, Maple Heights, Highland Hills and Warrensville Heights were able to keep the fire contained to concession area and one theater.
Ladder trucks from Bedford Heights and Bedford were used to douse flames on the roof and firefighters went inside the building to bring the fire under control in about 90 minutes.
There were no injuries.
Ledford did not have a dollar estimate on the damage to the building but said there was smoke damage throughout. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, Ledford said.
Developers own much of the former mall property, including the theater, and had plans to refurbish some of the still-standing buildings for industrial use.
A group of men associated with the property were at the site late Thursday night but declined comment.
Randall Park Mall opened in 1976 but closed in 2009 after years of decline. Demolition of much of the mall started in December 2014.
The 12-screen Magic Johnson Theater, named for former NBA star Earvin "Magic" Johnson, opened in 1999, with Johnson cutting a ribbon to welcome moviegoers. Lagging sales resulted in theater owner AMC Entertainment to pull out in March 2008.
An attempt to keep the cinema open under new management was unsuccessful.
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