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5 Years After Fire, Roseville Galleria Recovers With Improved Business Atmosphere

ROSEVILLE (CBS13) — It's been five years since a large portion of the Roseville Galleria was set ablaze by a man who later told CBS13 he was trying to end his life.

In all, 44 stores had to temporarily close before the holiday season in 2010. The mall rebuilt and eventually reopened.

Anthony Scarpelli vividly remembers Oct. 21, 2010 when he was working at the mall. The fire caused $55 million in damage and took months to repair.

"We were out probably out 18 months actually."

Alexander Piggee eventually pleaded guilty to arson and waived his right to appeal. He was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

"When I go over there [now] I don't even think there was a fire," said Heather Lu, who was at a cafe across the street when the fire broke out.

Five years later, many have already moved on and some believe the business atmosphere has improved.

"I feel like it's a lot busier than it was five years ago," Scarpelli said.

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