STAFF REPORT
Three teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with a fire that damaged the historic Old Fish Hatchery Community Building Sunday night in the San Marcos Plaza Park.
San Marcos Fire Marshall Ken Bell arrested and charged two boys, ages 14 and 16, and one girl, age 14, with arson and criminal mischief in the fire that broke out at 10 p.m. Sunday.
The teens’ names have not been released.
The fire damaged the back stairs and porch of the century-old building; it also suffered interior smoke and water damage.
Initial repair costs are estimated between $75,000 and $150,000.
The city has hailed the San Marcos Fire Department’s “quick action” in averting complete destruction of the Fish Hatchery building.
The building, which was constructed in 1894-95, originally served as the headquarters for the first fish hatchery in the United States located south and west of the Mississippi River. The fish culture station, owned by the federal government, first opened in 1896 on 25 acres near the head of the San Marcos River at the foot of Chautauqua Hill.
At the suggestion of President Lyndon B. Johnson, perhaps Texas State University’s most famous alumnus, the property was deeded to then-Southwest Texas State University in 1965, where it became the administration building for the Aquatic Biological Center.
In 1981 the university’s Board of Regents approved plans to build a new aquatic biology center at the university and donated the building to the City of San Marcos.
The building was moved to its present location in Nov. 1981.
The Old Fish Hatchery Community Building is part of San Marcos’ park system and is popular for public and private events and meetings. The building will be out of commission until repairs are finalized.
Bell is continuing his fire investigation.
