PUEBLO, Colo. — A public safety hazard in Pueblo is finally coming down. City officials said they will start to tear down the historic Albany building downtown Monday.
The Albany of Pueblo is the burned building in the downtown area that is located on E. 7th St. It was condemned in 2021 because of a fire.
A few people said it's about time this eyesore gets demolished.
"I'm really surprised it stayed up as long as it did," said neighboring Santa Fe Inn & Suites manager Melissa Pryor.
The historic building is more than 100 years old and most recently served as an event center.
"We have debris that blows over into our parking lot. We're all the time picking up for pieces of wood," said Pryor.
Pryor said they worry about the 45-day project will negatively impact business. "If we're going to have to, you know, like close [a few rooms] down or anything, so we really honestly are just kind of in the dark about it."
Jordan Brodie grew up in Pueblo and said the building will be missed.
"When my parents, we heard about what [the fire], it was kind of sad," said Brodie. "It's like a piece of Pueblo just gonna be in yanked it out of the picture, I just hope people can keep it around as far as the memory goes."
Pueblo city council approved the money for a full demolition, estimating it will cost $1.2 million.
"I think it was long overdue to probably have an eye on that building, so yeah, maybe something needed to kinda happen to get things going," said Brodie.
Although the city is still figuring out what will replace the Albany, people seemed excited to see what comes next.
"It's going to look so much better, they'll actually be able to do something with that property, and not just have a burnt building sitting there," said Pryor.
"I'm glad Pueblo was on the map, even though it's it's for a reason that's a little sad, I think it's a good start to something something great," said Brodie.
During construction, traffic will be down to one lane on Albany Avenue and 7th Street. Drivers on Santa Fe should expect some delays, especially during the morning evening commute.
WATCH: FIRE DAMAGES HISTORIC ALBANY EVENTS CENTER IN PUEBLO
"There will be some one way traffic on E. 7th St. in front of the Albany and as well as Albany St. itself adjacent to the Albany as well," said Andrew Hayes with Pueblo Public Works. "The roads will not be closed."
The City of Pueblo says that the demolition of the building is expected to last through the middle of March.
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