Demolition Begins On Hotel Charlevoix

DETROIT (WWJ) - The demolition of the historic Hotel Charlevoix in downtown Detroit has begun.

A permit to tear down the building was approved by city officials in April and now neighbors report crews tossing any remaining metal inside the 108-year-old old structure Wednesday morning.

Located a block west of Woodward, across the street from Cliff Bell's, owner Ralph Sachs purchased the property in the 1980s. It has remained vacant since.

Bricks have been falling from the neglected building over the past few years. Hotel Charlevoix is reportedly expected to be replaced with a surface parking lot.

The Charlevoix has been empty for the past 30 years.

Related: Legal Battle Ends, Detroit's Hotel Charlevoix Approved For Demolition