MONTGOMERY -- The owner of a building in Lycoming County is making space for something new just in time for 2016. Newswatch 16 stopped by the demolition site to see what's left of a crumbling building dating back to the late 1800's.
After having been a part of South Main Street in Montgomery for over a century, it took a crane just two days to tear the walls of the 125-year-old building down.
"They are tearing down the building nothing that I haven't seen before. Unfortunately, I have seen a lot of buildings torn down," said John Plourde.
"It's a shame it has to come down. It's a very old building,” said Mary Harding.
"Can't stop progress," said Bart Satteson.
Before it closed 15 years ago, this was the Thomas Variety Store. Over the years it was home to a VHS store and a bank. Bart Satteson has fond memories of the building when it looked like this.
"Yes, I remember going in there with my dad to deposit money or whatever he did when I was probably 5 or 6 years old," said Satteson.
Owner Rocky Sanguedolce had plans to make this into apartment building when he bought it last year.
"They told me it just wasn't feasible, so unfortunately it had to come down," said Rocky Sanguedolce.
The old building is gone just in time for the New Year. It has many people here in Montgomery thinking about what could be next for the property here on South Main Street.
"We need a little more parking on Main Street," said Harding.
Tearing down the building cost the owner about $40,000. He'd like to see the space be put to good use too.
"At this point we have no idea. Everybody wants to see parking there. I'd like to see something that generates income and makes the town look better," said Sanguedolce.
Until then, Sanguedolce plans to open the space up for community events in Montgomery.