End of an Era on Main Street: Templeton Feed and Grain Cement Building Demolished

By Camille DeVaul · Wed Feb 11 2026

Jermin family takes first step toward rebuilding after July 4 fire, clearing way for return to downtown Templeton

TEMPLETON — On Monday, Feb. 9, the Jermin family watched as crew members from ABI Engineering demoed the remainder of the Templeton Feed and Grain on Main Street. The demolition of what remained of the cement building marks the first step in moving the family's business back onto Main Street.

The final demolition comes just over six months after a July 4th fire erupted and consumed the granary. What was left behind was nothing but rubble and partial structure to the original cement building. The building has served many lives during its time on Main Street. One of which was a grocery store, and then turning into a feed store in the 1940s when Rick Jermin's grandfather, Tom Jermin Sr., bought the property, and later adding the feed mill and granary that towered over Main Street for generations.

By about 11:30 a.m., the roof had been removed, and crews shifted their focus to the north side of the structure. As heavy equipment pulled away at the walls, decades-old materials gave way with surprising ease.

Rick walked Paso Robles Press through the site, pointing out cracks in the foundation and areas where it had become uneven, not only from over time but mainly from the destruction of the fire. The building’s thick walls, constructed of riverbed rock cement, crumbled almost instantly once disturbed — collapsing more like sand than solid masonry.

Built in 1912 — the same year the Titanic's maiden voyage — the building had stood for more than a century. For Rick and his family, its demolition marked the end of an era. He grew up around the structure, and generations of his family built their lives and livelihoods there. Watching it fall was surreal and undeniably emotional. Yet alongside the sadness was a sense of relief. The deteriorating building had become a liability, and its removal clears the way for the next phase of the property’s redevelopment.

There was no large crowd gathered for the demolition, though passing motorists slowed to watch and record video. A few members of the fire department were present, along with the ABI crew overseeing the work. Crews will continue demolishing the remaining structures, leveling and grading the site in preparation for what comes next.

At the end of January, the Jermin family met with Paso Robles Press to talk about what the future looks like for them.

Since the feed and grain was destroyed during the July 4th fire the family has been working to get approval for several permits through both the county and the state. They recently received the final approval to continue with demolition, which will allow them to take the next step into rebuilding.

“We know this will be hard for the community to see,” Stacey Jermin said. “That’s why we wanted to share what’s happening and be transparent about the plan — so everyone understands why it needed to come down.”

Originally, the family thought they would be able to keep the building. Unfortunately, due to years of natural wear and tear, along with damage from putting out the July 4th fire, its not feasible for the family to simply just repair the building or keep the facade and build around it.

“It’s a hard reality that this is the route that has to be taken,” Rick said, “but being able to make this step is a positive move forward in our journey to getting back onto Main Street.”

As a result, the building was torn down on Monday, Feb. 9 and the empty space is being prepared for a new building that plans to look as much like the original building as possible. While timelines remain fluid, the family hopes to begin the rebuilding within the next few months after the final demolition is complete.

While the loss of the 114-year-old building is significant, the family has come to terms with the necessity of its removal. With the last now gone, they can begin moving forward.

The Jermin family wanted to share their heartfelt gratitude with the community:

"Thank you so much for your thoughtful donations. Our family is deeply touched by your generosity and by your shared love for Templeton Feed and Grain. Losing such an iconic building has been heartbreaking, but your kindness and support have brought us comfort and strength. Templeton Feed and Grain was never just a building—it was the people and the community who gave it life. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us during this difficult time. We look forward to one day once again calling Main Street home."

Until they return to Main Street, you can find Templeton Feed and Grain at their temporary home at 1650 Ramada Drive.

You can read our full reporting on the Templeton Feed and Grain on pasoroblespress.com

Feature Image: From left: Rick, Dylan, and Stacey Jermin stand in front of the Templeton Feed and Grain cement building before having it demolished on Monday, Feb. 9, due to damages created by the July 4th fire. Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP