Compass building demolished in aftermath of Sag Harbor fire

The Compass real estate building in Sag Harbor was razed Monday — the second structure to be torn down after being destroyed in a wind-swept fire that raced through the village’s Main Street last week.

A historic theater, the Art Deco-styled Sag Harbor Cinema that was built in the 1930s and was beloved for its single screen and quirky film offerings, was razed after the fire, which started shortly after 6 a.m. Friday.

The cause and origin of the blaze is expected to be revealed Tuesday, Police Chief A.J. McGuire said Monday.

Officials ruled out arson on the day of the inferno that damaged nearly 10 businesses, including SagTown Coffee, the Brown Harris Stevens real estate offices, the consignment shop Collette and the clothing store Matta.

Fire Chief Thomas Gardella could not be reached for comment Monday but McGuire said the razing of a third structure — the Brown Harris Stevens building — had been considered but it was determined it could be saved.

A meeting between businesses directly and indirectly affected by the fire and Stony Brook University’s New York Small Business Development Center was being planned for sometime later this week to give local business owners an opportunity to ask questions about what might lie ahead, Village Mayor Sandra Schroeder said.

Meanwhile, the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning posted this statement on Facebook late Monday for those who want to show their support for the devastated community:

“While we are thankful that no lives were lost or injuries sustained in a recent Sag Harbor fire, there were still multiple businesses and apartments destroyed. . . . This week is a great opportunity to shop and dine in a charming downtown that reminds us all why we choose to work, live, shop and play on Long Island.”