BeyoncĂ©’s reported New Orleans mansion fire being investigated as arson
A $2.4 million historic New Orleans mansion reportedly owned by BeyoncĂ© caught fire Wednesday night — and the blaze is now under investigation as a “simple arson.”
The fire began at 6:15 p.m. central daylight time and was fully extinguished by 8:30 p.m. after 22 firefighters reported to the scene, a department spokesperson confirmed to The Post.
“If they didn’t get there when they did, it could have been much worse. It’s a historic home,” the spokesperson told The Post, adding that there were no injuries and no evacuations.
Local outlet Nola.com previously reported that the property was owned by the 39-year-old “Homecoming” superstar and her husband, rap legend and Roc Nation guru Jay-Z, a k a Shawn Carter, 51.
The cause of the Garden District fire — which was contained by 7 p.m. and rose to only a one-alarm status — has not been determined. However, ABC affiliate WGNO reported Thursday evening that New Orleans police are investigating the blaze as “simple arson” and that the department “received a report of a suspicious person in the area around the time of the fire.”
UPDATE: NOPD confirms the fire at the home reportedly owned by Beyoncé and Jay-Z is being investigated as simple arson. PD received tip about suspicious person around the same time/ area as fire. @WGNOtv pic.twitter.com/3P4ThP4LeV
— Chris Welty (@Chris_R_Welty) July 22, 2021
Sugarcane Park LLC acquired the home in 2015. The LLC is managed by Celestine Lawson (the legal name of BeyoncĂ©’s mother, who is better known as Miss Tina) and is registered at a Sherman Oaks address where the singer has several other LLCs.
Advertisement
![It has a 26-foot-tall great room, which was once the sanctuary, wood floors, a patio and a balcony, according to the listing.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/beyonce-nola-08.jpeg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878)
![It housed an eight-dancer ballet company before it was converted to a home in 2000, according to Realtor.com.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/beyonce-nola-24.jpeg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878)
![The building spans 15,200 square feet, according to city records.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/beyonce-nola-10.jpeg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878)
![](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/beyonce-nola-07.jpeg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878)
![The great room is pictured.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/beyonce-nola-11.jpeg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878)
![The great room is pictured from above.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/beyonce-nola-15.jpeg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878)
![The naked staircase turns and ascends to the second floor.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/beyonce-nola-23.jpeg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878)
Although the home is assessed at over $2.4 million, it transferred hands in 2015 at only a nominal recorded price of $100, according to city records. It had been listed on the market for $2.5 million in 2013 by the previous owner, Sandra C. McNamara, records show.
The six-bedroom, six-and-a-half bathroom home was built in 1927 as the Westminster Presbyterian church, according to Realtor.com. The building spans 15,200 square feet, according to city records.
It housed an eight-dancer ballet company before it was converted to a home in 2000, according to Realtor.com.
It has a 26-foot-tall great room, which was once the sanctuary. It features wood floors, a patio and a balcony, according to the listing.
There has been work done on the property since the most recent pictures were taken in 2013, permit and inspection records show.
A representative for BeyoncĂ© did not return The Post’s request for comment.
Advertisement
![There has been work done on the property since the most recent pictures were taken in 2013, permit and inspection records show.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/beyonce-nola-17.jpeg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878)
![A vanity is pictured.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/beyonce-nola-18.jpeg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878)
![A bathroom is pictured.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/beyonce-nola-19.jpeg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878)
Developing: The New Orleans mansion reportedly owned by Beyoncé caught fire tonight. It is now under control. No injuries were reported.
— NOLA.com (@NOLAnews) July 22, 2021
"If they hadn't gotten it under control, it could have been worse," a spokesperson said. https://t.co/ixDb4QEa5t