MENTONE, Ala. (WHNT) — A century-old building in Mentone was engulfed in flames Thursday night.

According to the building’s owner, The Hitching Post, located at the corner of Alabama Highway 117 and DeSoto Parkway, caught fire Thursday evening. The building was undergoing renovations.

“There were a lot of tears and a lot of memories,” said Mentone resident Kathryn Norris. “We worked through last night, but it will be talked about for years to come.”

Norris said many gathered to watch the blaze Thursday and mourn the loss of the building’s history.

The property is a total loss, according to the owner, Jerry Clifton.

“We are devastated, but thankful everyone is safe,” read a statement posted to social media Thursday night. “Heartbroken, but grateful for God’s protective hand on firefighters and surrounding property.”

Sky19 was able to capture images of the rubble following the fire.

According to mentonehitchingpost.com, the building has “been part of Mentone’s story for more than a century. A renovation is underway to bring new life to this old friend.” For more information on the original Hitching Post, click here.