SCRANTON -- It's been years since anyone has gone to school at the former Audubon School in Scranton's Hill section.
The school on Mulberry Street closed in 2010 after mold was discovered inside. After years of sitting empty, it's finally coming down.
"My whole life has just been this school," Linda Lyons of Scranton said.
Lyons walked her dogs past the school Wednesday as crews were beginning to tear it down. She said it's difficult to watch, especially having so many memories at the school.
"We have four generations that went to this school. My mother went here in the 1930s. My grandchildren were here probably 10 years ago for a couple of grades. This is just our neighborhood," Lyons said.
As crews started tearing down the school, you could still see pictures inside.
Erin Kurilla spent her childhood years at Audubon and says seeing it torn down is emotional.
"I remember playing kickball and dodgeball. It's just a lot of great memories. Sad to see it go," Kurilla said.
Frank Burns who lives across the street says tearing the building down will make things a little safer.
"You see over there, kids playing in the yard and you hope windows aren't getting broken or anything. Or anybody getting hurt," Burns said.
Across the street from the school is Geisinger Community Medical Center. The hospital bought the hospital a few years ago at public auction.
Geisinger officials tell Newswatch 16 once the school is torn down, top soil and grass will be planted for the time being.
Kurilla says seeing just grass here will take some getting used to, but it's something she's accepted.
"It'll be different, especially for the neighborhood. I grew up in this neighborhood, but I think change is good, too, you know. So we'll move onto better things," Kurilla said.
Geisinger officials tell Newswatch 16 they are working with the Scranton Historical Architectural Review Board to make sure the gargoyles, cornerstone and signage from the school are preserved.
Geisinger expects the demolition project will be complete by the end of May.