Demolition begins at former downtown Huntsville hotel

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -

Demolition is underway on a downtown landmark.

Bulldozers began tearing down the 27-room Holiday Inn Wednesday morning, starting the first step in creating a major mixed-use project in the city.

Bricks, mortar and more began tumbling down as heavy equipment took to the empty building.

The city and a developer have agreed to put City Centre at Big Spring on that location.

The development is a two-phase, $100-million project.

When all is said and done, it will include a new hotel, restaurants, and retail space, along with some room for apartments and office space.

People in the area have mixed emotions about the 40-year-old hotel coming down. Distinguished guests, such as Elvis Presley, were said to have stayed there.

"It's a bittersweet emotion," said Stephanie Roney, who works nearby. "We are going to miss this facility. It's been a long-running facility, but it will be good to see new development in the city.

The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of March.

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Demolition begins at former downtown Huntsville hotel