Site preparation is underway in south Minneapolis for the demolition of the Lake Street Kmart building.
Crews start out by removing everything inside the dilapidated structure that sits heaped in the middle of a massive parking lot.
The Kmart opened in 1977, erasing several blocks of Nicollet Ave. and the neighborhood.
Before the city bought the land, Kmart's lease called for the building to remain in place until 2053.
A ceremonial start to the demolition took place Oct. 29, nine days after the early-morning fire swept through the building.
The cause of that fire is still not determined.
No one was hurt in the blaze.
Walls of the building will be taken down next week, the demolition timetable moved up after last month's fire that gutted the building
It was three years ago when city officials approved plans to buy the structure and surrounding area for $9.1 million, allowing for the re-opening of Nicollet Avenue.
"Hey, you know what, this is worth investing in," said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey when remembering discussions about buying the property. "This is worth having the rights so that we as Minnepolis residents can collectively dictate our future. And, sure, it was expensive, but it was the right thing to do."
There are a number of proposals on the table for redevelopment of the area.