As I rode home last night, I took a quick detour past Eastern Market. Some 22 hours after the fire that ravaged the market’s South Hall had been reported, firefighters remained, hosing down the building and testing the its structural integrity. A crowd had gathered outside, most blankly staring at what would be an empty shell for the months to come. This morning, fencing had been erected around the building, decorated with U.S. and D.C. flags that seemed both a statement of sadness and defiance. “We Will Rebuild,” read a sign on one stretch of fence.

And we will. At a press conference this afternoon, Mayor Adrian Fenty promised swift action to rebuild and restore Eastern Market and relocate the 14 food vendors that operated within (along with rebuilding the Georgetown Public Library branch that also burned yesterday). The bad news is that it will be 18 to 24 months and cost upwards of $30 million before Eastern Market again opens for business. But members of the community have vowed to help, and various efforts have kicked off to help the process along. The Capitol Hill Community Foundation is accepting donations to help the vendors stay afloat, while the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals is hosting a fundraiser at Marty’s (527 Eighth Street SE) on Wednesday, May 2 at 6 p.m. to benefit the vendors. A local couple has kicked off a blog to track news and progress on Eastern Market’s restoration, an ANC Commissioner has created the Save Our Market Community Action Group to keep tabs on the market’s rebuilding and Voice of the Hill, a local newspaper, has asked that residents and visitors submit their memories of the market. And both to celebrate and mourn the market, city officials announced that Sunday’s Market Day festivities will proceed as planned.

I still haven’t fully come to terms with the loss. After some five years on the Hill and countless trips to the market, waiting the estimated two years before I can go back seems surreal. But regardless of how long it takes, it’s reassuring to see the community — both on the Hill and across the city — come together and move forward.

Picture snapped by delfuego