CROWN POINT | With the new Centier Bank branch open in the downtown, demolition of the old bank is under way.
Workers began Friday tearing down the building on the southwest corner of Joliet and East streets.
Demolition could continue for several days, depending on the weather, Centier Vice President Jim Kendall said.
The replacement bank was constructed beginning in April and opened Jan. 22 at 117 E. Joliet St., next door to Centier's former home in the corner building.
The new bank occupies a smaller footprint slightly west of its predecessor, in a building designed to better match the look of the city's historic downtown, according to bank officials.
Razing of the old building will make way for a Centier open air plaza on the corner of Joliet and East streets, where greenery and a fountain are planned.
An existing plaza on the bank's west side, at the corner of Joliet and Main streets, will be updated with a more open design, Kendall said.
"It will be more usable," he said.
A spring opening is planned.
Additional parking off Hack Court on the bank's south side also is planned.
The city's Historic Preservation Commission approved the new building's final design.
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