I had a friend that lived in an alley apartment behind the VCU presidents residence. I remember being in the same area visiting and feeling the heat blast blocks away too.

The heat also melted the top of the facade of the arts building across the street. the damage might still be visible (havent looked in a while, but the damage was visible for years after the fire)

It was the “RAMZ” building or something, I think. One of the first 5-over-1 buildings I recall being built in downtown / VCU Richmond area. Apparently it went so well (burned to the ground) they were like— “great idea, let’s build a bunch more!”