The demolition of one of the city’s biggest eyesores begins Tuesday.
Ray’s Demolition will start preparations for the removal of the dilapidated buildings Friday and Monday. Demolition will then follow.
The busy corner in downtown Shelbyville has seen many businesses come and go over more than 100 years but they have sat vacant for many years now with no hope of relief.
There is no timeline for the completion of the tricky demolition due to its location and shared structures with other businesses in the area.
“The majority of (the demolition) will go quick. The end of the project will be more surgical demolition,” said City of Shelbyville Engineer Tyler Comstock. “It will take a couple of weeks … a little longer if they hit a snag in an old building. We are not exactly sure what we are getting into.”
The city is utilizing the Indiana Unsafe Building Law to execute demolition of a set of buildings that are falling apart – quite literally. All attempts to contact the owner of the property have failed leading the city to the demolition at a cost of just under $250,000.
The buildings are most notably connected to the Strand Theatre. There is a structural wall divider that must be protected which will make the end phase of demolition more complicated.
“Once they get in closer (to the wall divider), it will be more surgical demolition. There will probably use hand saws and be more delicate cutting bricks,” said Comstock.
Utilities in the area will be compromised as well.
“We are prepared for what is coming,” said Comstock. “We’ve investigated the utilities and made sure they are disconnected to the buildings being demolished.”
Buildings in the area, including the Strand, share a sanitary pipe that runs through the basement of the buildings being demolished.
“There is no reason to save (the pipe). It’s too far gone,” said Comstock.
The pipe will be cut out during demolition and replaced with a new pipe.
The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed.
St Francisville dealing with multiple issues
Lawrence County seeking I.D.C. Director
Tate to drop withdraw of guilty pleas
Wind Advisory issued for region
Authorities arrest two in Lawrence County
Sumner to get grant for water system expansion
Knox County man sentenced to prison
Flooding impacting an area local utility, flood-prone homes to be disconnected
Embarras River Flood Warning extended
EIU Super-Sectional game audio: Lawrenceville 48, LeRoy 26 (original air date March 9, 2026)
Lawrence County authorities make three weekend arrests
IDHS focuses on raising awareness during Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 8-14
Edward Charles Ballinger, 65, Vincennes
Rose named to Illinois Senate leadership team
Indiana earns top credit rating from major agency
