Demolition work began Friday on the former Coach’s building in the Flinthills Mall parking lot and is expected to conclude by early next week.
Demolition on the building was around 90 percent complete just before 2 pm Friday according to Mall Manager Clarence Frye. In addition to bringing the structure down to the ground, the demolition work will include the removal of the foundation and footings of the building which Frye anticipates should be complete by Monday or Tuesday.
The demolition followed the conclusion of insurance investigations into the Aug. 14 fire which severely damaged the building and led to the need for Friday’s demolition. According to Frye, that investigation wrapped up ahead of schedule Thursday afternoon. Frye tells KVOE News they should have a full insurance investigation report finalized and in hand by early next week. Although the cause was officially listed as undetermined following an investigation by Emporia Fire, Frye says there are no indications the fire was anything but accidental.
As for the future, Frye says there are no immediate plans for constructing a new building or structure where Coach’s once stood.
Fire caused near-total damage to the inside of the building including causing portions of the roof to cave in. The building, owned by Flinthills Mall, had served as several restaurants since it was constructed in 1971.
