Habitat for Humanity ReStore demolished ahead of holiday parade

ALPENA, Mich — A community staple went up in smoke earlier this month. The Habitat for Humanity re–store burned to the ground on November 3, leaving nothing but rubble and charred remains behind. What was left of the building has been demolished and the place where it once stood will soon consist of open space and memories.

The Bedrock Company began tearing the charred building down around 8 a.m. Friday morning. Travis O’Cconnor of Bedrock Contracting, says the process has been an emotional one, but he’s optimistic to see something new come along.

“It’s sad, but I think we’ll see good growth come from it as well. We only can keep so many buildings in this town, old or new and it’s always sad to see them go but it’s cool to see the city change at the same time.”