THE FOLLOWING IS A CITY OF DANVILLE RELEASE
Today, Bresee Tower stands alone. A familiar silhouette in our skyline that, for many, symbolizes a chapter of Danville’s rich history. The City, along with many community members, shares a deep sadness in the loss of this historic building. Decades of neglect by previous owners have left it in a condition that is, regrettably, financially impossible to restore.
Though the structure will be gone, the spirit and memory of Bresee Tower will remain woven into the fabric of Danville’s legacy. Our city’s history lives not only in bricks and marble but in the stories, memories, and identity we carry forward.
The demolition of the Courthouse Annex is now complete, and Vermilion Street has officially reopened to traffic. Starting as early as next week, May 6th, the next phase of the project will begin as Bresee Tower is scheduled to undergo demolition. This phase of the project will require an extended closure of both eastbound and westbound Main Street directly in front of Bresee Tower. This closure is expected to last multiple months. At this time, Vermilion Street is not expected to experience extended closures. However, given the complexity of the project and the absence of detailed structural drawings for the tower, unforeseen conditions may arise that could necessitate additional temporary closures.
Detour routes and a detailed traffic notice will be shared with the public as soon as they are finalized. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we move forward with this significant step in Danville’s redevelopment efforts.
We know the public is deeply invested in the future of this site and the city’s continued growth. As progress continues, we kindly ask everyone to prioritize safety. Please maintain a safe distance from the demolition area. The safety of both the public and the construction crews is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who is paying for the demolition of the buildings?
A: The demolition of Bresee Tower is being funded using savings from previous fiscal years. The demolition of the Courthouse Annex was funded by Vermilion County.
Q: Who is responsible for the documents that were seen flying around Downtown?
A: The Courthouse Annex falls under the responsibility of Vermilion County. While the City of Danville facilitated the bidding process for the demolition, it was not the City’s or the contractor’s responsibility to secure or remove documents from the building prior to demolition.
Q: How is the City supporting Downtown businesses during this process?
A: The City provided advance notice to Downtown Danville Inc. regarding the temporary closure of Vermilion Street. To minimize further disruption to downtown businesses, the demolition contractor has been approved to use Walnut Street and the City Hall parking lot as a trucking route. This will prevent equipment being brought in northbound from stopping traffic on Vermilion Street. We remain in close communication with DDI and are committed to keeping them informed as new updates become available.
Q: Are any historic elements being preserved from Bresee Tower?
A: Yes, the City is preserving several significant and valuable items from Bresee Tower, including the exterior dedication plaque from the Daughters of the American Revolution and portions of the original marble from the first floor. These elements have been salvaged to honor the building’s legacy and may be incorporated into future displays or preservation efforts. While there has been public interest in recovering materials, it’s important to note that much of the interior is not true marble but rather Perth, and the actual marble present is very thin and not salvageable. Some key elements, such as the chandeliers and the entire clock, were missing before the City gained access and secured the building.
Q: What will the lot become once it is cleaned up
A: The City intends to do a request for a development plan, which would prevent the land from being underutilized. In the interim, you may notice efforts to enhance the area’s appearance temporarily.
Q: How will Bresee be taken down?
A: The demolition of Bresee Tower will begin from the top of the structure and proceed downward in a controlled process. The construction crew will use specialized equipment to methodically chip away at the building in a staircase or terraced pattern, ensuring the structure remains stable as each section is removed.
Q: What about local contractors
A: While no local contractors met the qualifications to lead the demolition project, the City included a requirement in the contract that the selected demolition company must hire local subcontractors whenever possible. As a result, local businesses such as Bryant Industries and Owens Excavating and Trucking have been involved, which provides some economic benefit within the community.
