A fire caused major damage to a North Shore building that housed a now-closed Restaurant--and which is slated to become home to an upcoming multi-use culinary space.

The Salem News is reporting that firefighters worked late yesterday to put out a two-alarm blaze at Pickering Wharf, with the fire apparently starting in the ceiling of the kitchen area of the former A Mano Italian Kitchen at 62 Wharf Street, spreading to the condos on the two floors above the restaurant space. The article says that the four condo units on the second and third floors were heavily damaged and are not livable--but they will are repairable--while no word has been given on the extent of the damage to the restaurant space. A Facebook post from Salem Spice, which is planning to move into the space from 75 Wharf Street, mentions that "The fire...impacted the new space in pretty dramatic fashion....Another unplanned challenge. One which we will overcome in time." No injuries were reported in the fire, which is currently under investigation.

In addition to Salem Spice, the space at 62 Wharf Street is planning to become home to The Branch Olive Oil Company (which has another location at the Northshore Mall) and Salem GNU Kitchen, which will be a community kitchen space that will be used for catering, tours, classes and seminars, and in-house created take-out food, according to a Constant Contact page.

A Mano closed in the space last fall after less than a year in business. The space had previously been home to 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Thanks to a source for some of the information above.

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