Above: The 420 Main Building in Downtown Evansville
A date is set to bring down Evansville’s tallest building.
Mayor Lloyd Winnecke says the implosion of the 18-story tower at 5th and Main streets is planned for Sunday, November 21st.
Winnecke says interior demolition of the nearby Sycamore Building will begin this week, with exterior demolition planned for mid-to-late September.
Domo Development is planning a business and apartment complex where the two buildings stand.
Atop the roof of the nearby Sycamore Street Parking Garage, Winnecke told reporters the tower will be replaced by a six-story structure.
"In a city this size, building a new 18-story building is just not very realistic in this economy."
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation awarded $10.5 million in tax credits and a grant towards the 5th & Main project.
Winnecke acknowledges it will change the city’s skyline.
"I mean I've thought a lot about it. Recently, I was coming back to the office and I was coming along I-69 to Veterans Parkway and you can see it from 41 and I-69. On November 22nd, I won't be able to have that same sight. So, I urge people to get out and take all the pictures they want now."
The tower opened in 1970 as the headquarters of Old National Bank. The bank moved out in 2004 and moved into a new riverfront building.
Occupancy in the tower has dwindled in recent years.
After the implosion, the 16-story Fifth Third Bank building will become the city’s tallest.
Below: The Sycamore Building (gray, in the forefront)
