SOUTH LYON, Mich. – The historic South Lyon Hotel in downtown South Lyon burned down Thursday morning.

The fire started around 2 a.m. Restaurant employees were closing up when the flames started.

The South Lyon Fire Chief said the fire was considered a 3rd alarm fire. Firefighters took a defensive approach to fighting the flames. The building is completely doused.

The restaurant, which is referred to as South Lyon Hotel, occupies the historic space. According to the its website the building was built in 1867.

The South Lyon Hotel, as it has been known for decades, was built in the Village in 1867. The property was formerly a cemetery and after the city council approved removal of the remains, at a cost of $2.50 each, construction began and the building was completed in late August.

This is the second fire in the building with the first being in the 1980s. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation.

No injuries have been reported.

Investigators are calling the hotel a total loss.

Stay with ClickOnDetroit for more information as it becomes available.