After a number of delays, which were followed by interior work to enhance safety, demoltion of the Woolworth building in downtown Anderson began just after 8 a.m. this moring.
Anderson County is paying New Beach Construction Partners of Miami, Fla., $265,000 to take down and remove the rubble of the Bailes/Woolworth buildings.
"This is the most important piece of propery in Anderson County, because it is next to the historic courthouse," said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns as he watched Monday morning's progress.
Burns said the future of the property was yet to be determined, but could include anything for an extended downtown green space to a public/private partnership building with retail/commecial interests alongside space for other county needs.
"It's a good day," said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. "I think it's the start of a new day for Anderson County and I have great hopes for that piece of property."
Dunn said he'd like to see a public/private partnership, which he said would help revitalize downtown Anderson.
Demolition of the Woolworth building is expected to take at least a couple of days, and the site of that building will be completely cleared off before beginning the demolition of the Bailes building.
Once the site is cleared, a wooden fence will be erected around the property, and students from all five county school districts will be invited to paint there vision for the future on the fence.
Anderson County's orginal charter included the blocks bordered by McDuffie Street on the East, Murray Avenue on the West, Benson Street on the South and Whitner Street on the North. These blocks now are home to the historic courthouse, the new courthouse and the buildings being demolished.