It was an odd sight to see holes you could walk through appear on the east side exterior stone wall of the Leader Block Building today, October 4th.
A construction crew led by Artur Rojsza (better known for his work on the “clock tower” in Ferndale) had been preparing the building, located at 2nd Avenue and Main Street, for today’s work by installing long beams along the inside and outside of the east exterior wall. These beams were bolted together to stabilize the wall in anticipation of removing large sections underneath.
Building Owner Robert Pinkley was on-site during the demolition work today. Pinkley explained that the work is in preparation for a new wine-related business slated to occupy the space in the near future. Pinkley himself is no stranger to the wine business having been an exporter for Washington State wines.
Plans are for a total of two openings to be cut into the east exterior wall. These will become entrances. Rojsza will be using recycled materials for the doors and windows to be installed in those openings.
Other tenants in the building include Second Avenue Sports and New Pathway Hypnotherapy.