'Peace Building' Demolition Behind Schedule

It looks like Godzilla on valium - the crane that is demolishing the 8-story building at 1500 Newell Ave. moves slowly to ensure that no stray pieces endanger the public.

But that pace, while safer, has also caused the project to take longer than expected.

Demolition will continue through the weekend, and if necessary, into next week. However, according to city Communications and Outreach Manager Gayle Vasser, if the project is not completed by Thanksgiving, it will be put on hold through the New Year, since the city doesn't allow construction-related lane closures in between those two holidays.

Businesses in the area are still open, and traffic will continue to be re-routed around the project, she said.

The building, which in the 1970s was a bank owned by former Congressman Pete Stark, had a large peace sign on the side, earning it the moniker 'the Peace Building.' 

It is being demolished to make way for a four-story condominium/retail project.