Published: June 24, 2009 09:15 am      

Investigation of Georgia Theatre fire proceeds

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — A construction crane has begun removing debris from the Georgia Theatre to help investigators determine the cause of the fire that gutted the landmark music venue in downtown Athens.

Investigators have marked as potential evidence several large air conditioning units that were on the roof when it caved in on Friday.

Wilmot Greene, who has owned the theater for five years, says he’d like to rebuild it, but doesn’t know if that will be possible. Meanwhile, artists are taking part in benefits for the theater’s employees and to raise money for the building’s possible restoration.

Greene says he has insurance on the building and that his agent has been optimistic. But there’s no guarantee the total cost of a restoration will covered.