Plaza building set for demolition

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WEAU)- Its been a mainstay in Chippewa Falls for decades. Now a historical building is just days away from being torn down.

The Plaza Building has been in downtown Chippewa Falls for more than 100 years. But a failing roof and asbestos eventually led the city to vote to buy the building and schedule it to be demolished.

Demolition crews were hard at work at the site Tuesday afternoon removing windows and other last minute items from the building before the big equipment moves in and demolition begins in the coming days.

It has been an eye sore for a long time, Carol White said as she peered out the window of her downtown guitar shop.

White runs A String Above Guitar Shop, located directly across the street from the Plaza Building.

In just a few days, guitar lessons will be mixed with sounds of falling concrete as the 100-plus year old building comes down.

I think its great that it comes down but if something goes up it needs to be retail, White said.

White says she's excited to welcome new neighbors to the area but hopes the old Plaza Building will be replaced with more local shops. That's something that Teri Ouimette with Chippewa Falls Main Street says she has in mind too.

We are looking forward to it coming down. Unfortunately it has to but I think it will create a lot of development in the city, Ouimette said.

Over the past few years Chippewa Falls has put more of a focus on its gateway to the city. Theyve added a round-a-bout and several new buildings including a Visitor's Center. Mayor Greg Hoffman says the demolition of the Plaza is one of the final pieces to making the gateway to the city more welcoming.

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Plaza building set for demolition