Four years ago on April 23 2019, just after 5:00 pm, a structural fire broke out in the roof space of the Loudon County Courthouse in Loudon Tennessee. By the time the fire was extinguished in the 12,000 sq. ft. structure, the courthouse's bell tower had collapsed, most of its roof had been destroyed, and its upper walls were severely damaged.

Four years ago on 15 April 2019, just before 6:20 pm, a structural fire broke out in the roof space of the massive Notre-Dame de Paris, a medieval Catholic cathedral in Paris, France. By the time the fire was extinguished in the 52,000 sq. ft. structure , the cathedral's spire had collapsed, most of its roof had been destroyed, and its upper walls were severely damaged.

So the question is, which structure will be rebuilt first. According to a recent press release, Notre-Dame is expected to re-open to the public by December 2024. I wish I had confidence that the courthouse will re-open by then.

At least we have a goal to shoot for.

(Story idea shared by a friend)