Demolition underway in the 300 block of North Main

Demolition of the buildings at 301 and 305 North Main Street is underway as crews began around 8:30 Wednesday morning. Mitchell Area Development Corporation executive director Mark Vaux was on hand to witness the start of the long awaited process.

“It’s interesting, a lot of excitement, again feel for the people that have poured their heart and soul, and blood and sweat and tears into these buildings,” Vaux said. “but we need to look forward and look at this as an opportunity.”

Demolition crews start on the north side of 305 North Main and the top of 301 North Main

The demolition is expected to take about a week leading into the next phase which is seeking out a list of qualified developers.

“We’ll send out a request for proposals to get specific as to what the developers want to see this site become,” said Vaux. “Hopefully, if all goes well, we’ll see a good proposal that can start as soon as spring construction can start.”

Vaux says they plan to set timelines and deadlines to get the lots filled with something new as soon as possible.

Meanwhile as crews prepared to demolish the buildings they saved an important piece of history near the top of 301 North Main. The structure was built in 1887 and served as the first home of Mitchell’s Masonic Lodge until 1922. Local historian Lyle Swenson says the demolition crew carefully removed the Masonic emblem.

The former site of the Masonic symbol on the top of 301 North Main. The symbol was part of the original construction in 1887.

“It’s in amazing condition,” said Swenson. “It sat there in the wind and the rain, the ice, the snow…and it’s still a very presentable piece.”

The four- foot by two-foot galvanized sheet metal emblem is stored at the current Masonic Lodge about three blocks away.