Dearborn started tearing down Village Plaza late last month. The 12-story office tower, retail plaza, and parking deck have sat empty since 2018. Officials forced everyone out eight years ago when a burst pipe spread asbestos through the building.
Work began on the parking deck last week. Crews will knock down the retail plaza next, then the tower. Demolition could take months, maybe a full year.
The city ordered demolition in 2022 due to worries the structure might collapse. The city fought the owner in court, and the owner gave in. Workers found more asbestos than anyone expected, which pushed back the start date…