OLD TOWN — Investigators are looking into an arson at the abandoned Noble Horse Theater over the weekend, police said.
The fire was reported midday Saturday at the abandoned stables at 1410 N. Orleans St.
"The cause of the fire was determined to have been intentional and the CPD Arson Unit is investigating," police said Monday. "At this time, no arrests have been made and [the] investigation is underway."
The Plan Commission approved a 252-unit apartment building covering the block between Orleans and Sedgwick Avenue just north of Schiller Street in December, but work has yet to start on the project.
The last horse stable in the city was abandoned by carriage operators last year after the sale of the property. It was also the site of an arson two years ago.
A local resident who asked not to be identified said last week the empty stables have been attracting squatters.
"It started off small, with just one or two people hanging out or living there, but now it's become a 'spot.'" That number has increased," he said. "I've seen as many as six people as of late" going into and out of the location in groups.
