When I read news that the historic Eastern Market had been on fire earlier this morning, I ran down as quickly as I could to take a closer look. The better part of the South Hall, which houses the market’s food vendors, was still smoky, holes punctured in its roof and smoke damage was evident even outside. Mayor Adrian Fenty was just finishing up a press conference, sadly noting that the city would do what it could to relocate the many vendors that have long called Eastern Market home.

Residents stood behind lines of police tape taking in the scene, many shocked at seeing a local and historic landmark felled by fire. I couldn’t do much more. I live nearby, and for the last five years have visited Eastern Market on an almost daily basis. While most District residents visit on weekends, those in the Capitol Hill neighborhood use the market for daily shopping or for a quick stroll around the 134-year-old building. The building defined the neighborhood, and its absence over the next few months will be felt.