Demolition Begins on Historic Del Monte Plant

June 4, 2013 Updated Jun 4, 2013 at 6:46 PM PDT

The Del Monte name has been standing in Kingsburg for more than 100 years. But demolition crews are tearing it down piece by piece, steel beam by steel beam.

The machines split the beams like twigs. It's amazing to watch but tough for people like Otilia Ramos, "Kingsburg is known for Del Monte... it's like they took a big part out of our - the story of our town."

She worked at the plant for 13 years. It was her first job and helped her pay for college, "The work was hard but it showed you the meaning of money and you looked forward to those three months," Ramos said.

It isn't just a demolition. It's the beginning of a transformation from vacant buildings to a church with soccer fields and a gymnasium.

David Morris, a pastor with Grace Church of the Valley said, "We want to make this place a pretty place for Kingsburg."

The church is behind the ambitious project. Morris says it'll take four months to clear the rubble and roughly three years to rebuild.

Morris said, "This spot has served the community a lot with jobs and we want to serve the community with our message of redemption through Jesus."

When the walls are destroyed and the concrete is reduced to dust, the Del Monte name will still stand in the hearts and memories of the people in this town.

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Demolition Begins on Historic Del Monte Plant