MORRISTOWN, Tenn. — Morristown crews are starting the process of demolishing the Parks-Belk building in downtown Morristown.
In early January, the Parks-Belk Building burned down and the city said it was too damaged to recover. Instead, they had to tear it down.
Crews were able to remove the majority of the top floors on the back of the building this week. According to the city of Morristown, this process will be tedious due to the nature of the building.
The city wanted to remind everyone that the intersection surrounding the building will remain closed throughout the demolition but businesses are still open. Traffic is able to get to Main Street.
"We encourage you to visit the downtown businesses and shop and eat local," the city said.
The fire was ruled an arson, and a Michigan man accused of setting it was arrested. Authorities said he admitted to plans to start other fires. Ever since the fire started, the area around the Parks-Belk Building was closed off, near the N. Cumberland Street and W. Main Street intersection, and Morristown leaders said the area would stay closed off until demolition was complete.
