Warehouse gutted by blaze was home to Bohemian art space
OAKLAND, Calif. — The warehouse gutted by a blaze that killed at least nine people was home to musicians, painters, woodworkers, dancers and other artists who came together to make art and hold dance performances and parties. It was also a source of many complaints from neighbours.
The building known as the “Ghost Ship” located in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighbourhood was not zoned for people to live in, but neighbours had filed complaints saying the warehouse packed with pianos, paintings, turntables, statues, beds, couches and even a “coffin,” apparently was being used as a party venue and living quarters.
Photos of the interior showed a hodgepodge Bohemian scene of Tibetan prayer flags, Christmas lights and scores of wooden statues of Buddha, the virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, elephants and dragons that sat atop pianos and turntables. Tapestries hung from the walls, mannequin legs and arms stuck out from the ceiling, while rolled-up rugs sat in corners. A small, clear wooden spot of floor was at times used for art performances.
“It was just a labyrinth of little areas,” said Deputy Fire Chief Mark Hoffmann.