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VINTON, Virginia – A piece of history in Vinton is now gone after a fire destroyed four apartments in a two-story music center early Saturday morning.

A charred odor remains on Lee Avenue as Vinton residents look on in shock and destruction.

“Heartbeat. It’s heartbreaking,” said Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Angie Chewning. “Vinton is a close-knit community.”

Early Saturday morning, a fire engulfed a two-story music building and collapsed the roof of the Edward Jones investment business.

Four apartments on the top floor have been destroyed and eight adults are now homeless.

Donnie and Rhonda, the owners of the D. R. Music Center, burst into tears as they saw what was left of their music business after 39 years.

A $ 100,000 worth of instruments now destroyed.

D.R. Music Center was Tony Smith’s second home as a teenager and the place where his son took lessons.

“Its kind of like a punch in the gut really because these people, the owners, are nice people,” Smith said. “Watch your kids grow up here.”

It’s a piece of history dating back to 1930.

Firefighters say the damaged multi-function buildings will need time to be cleaned and will be demolished.

“This is pretty unique,” said Roanoke County Fire Department Brian Clingenpeel. “Something we don’t see much of.”

Even though a gift shop next door did not face any damage, Dawn Sullivan says she feels the owner’s pain.

“We look at each other and we are a family is what I say,” said Rustic Creations owner Dawn Sullivan. “And we keep it all together and it’s a great loss for all of us to see it.”

Not much was saved from the investment building, but residents were thrilled as a firefighter rescued an American flag.

A reminder that July 4th is still around the corner.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated. There were no injuries but three cats died.

Anyone traveling in the Vinton area on Saturday night and Sunday should note the roadblocks on South Pollard Street and East Lee Avenue.

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