Merrillville begins demolition of Carriage House property
Demolition began Thursday on the Carriage House property, a group of three historic buildings at 73rd and Madison in Merrillville that have long been vacant and an eyesore in the community.
A two-man crew from Ryan Construction in Merrillville began tearing down one of the buildings at 8 a.m., with the main house and a building that once was a Clark Gas Station yet to go as two lifetime residents watched.
“I’m glad to see it come down,” said resident Phil Kendera.
He said he’d like to see one or two houses built at the site.
The property had been for sale, but only one proposal came before town regulating boards — for a gas station and convenience store — which was turned down.
At the time, council members said they wanted to see development there, but there were plenty of gas stations in the area, including one directly across the street.
The town received tax deeds for the property from Lake County government, with the intention of razing the buildings and selling the property for future development.
Town engineer Steven King said it will take about two weeks for demolition to be completed.
Ryan Construction was the low bidder for the project, at a cost of $110,750.
The money will be paid with Community Development Block Grant funds.
The property lies diagonally across the street from the site of the former Old Mill pizzeria, which also was an historic building that had fallen into disrepair. That site will remain a green space.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the PostTribune.