Demolition of Asheville's roundhouse begins

Demolition of the iconic railroad Roundhouse commenced Wednesday, with heavy loaders and dump trucks. Workers spent the day recycling steel and hauling tons of brick away from the structure. According to Norfolk Southern spokesperson Robin Chapman, demolition of the Roundhouse will continue through Dec. 15.(Photo: William Woody / wwoody@citizentimes.com)

The end of the iconic roundhouse has begun.

The demolition of the 90-year-old railroad building on Meadow Road in Asheville's River Arts District began this week.

According to Norfolk Southern spokesperson Robin Chapman, demolition of the Roundhouse will continue through Dec. 15.

The roundhouse, built in 1924, once serviced and housed locomotives using processes now outdated. It's located in Norfolk Southern's active rail yard and is one of two of its kind in the state and one of only a few dozen left in the United States.

Norfolk Southern said the irrelevant building was unsafe and absestos-riddled. When the company confirmed plans to demolition the building in October, the city received calls and emails asking that officials step in to save the building, and the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County staged an event at the structure.

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Demolition of Asheville's roundhouse begins