Orr Building Demolition

After nearly a century, an Evansville landmark is about to come crumbling down. The Orr Building in Evansville is the last of many buildings to be demolished at the Fulton and Lloyd intersection. The Orr Building has been a historic landmark for about 100 years. Newspapers dating back to 1912 show the building was a 100-thousand dollar project, built partially in the night. Now, the old building will come down in the midnight hours too, to make way for a 32.4 million dollar highway overpass. "Its been there a mighty long time its another land mark going down." Betty Fairchild says the demolition of the building is bittersweet. "Part of me thinks its sad but with more traffic, its the best way to go." According to historian Tom Lonnberg the building represents an industrial era in Evansville that may never be repeated. In the past few decades, he says Evansville has become more familiar with historic preservation. But that doesnt mean the demolition of the building is a step back. "When all is said and done I think people will be happy, its a small inconvenience for the greater good." The old newspaper clipping says the building was known throughout the U.S. for its structure and use. By 1925 it was used as a warehouse supplier of automobile parts. More recently, the Orr Building became an incubator for small businesses. And although the landmark will soon come crumbling down, it wont be forgotten. "An important part of it will be saved and used out at USI so it will be used in a lasting fashion." One thing that we keep hearing from residents is that as sad as it is to see a building with such history go, it means progress for Evansville, and thats what theyre looking forward to. In the mean time the eastbound lanes of traffic will be closed overnight for the next two nights.