UPDATE: Leesburg Grain Elevator Demolition Begins
The major demolition of the old Leesburg Grain Elevator began this morning and is expected to take at least through the week to complete.
Everest Excavating LLC is in charge of demolition efforts which began last week with general work.
Max Deatsman, owner of Deatsman Grain Farms and the present owner of the elevator also now known as Deatsman Grain Farms, said the original section has not been used for about three years and is outdated. The scales, line shafts and other equipment are no longer needed. A new, larger grain storage facility was built next to it.
Located at 209 S. Smith St., the grain elevator dates to 1898 when Henry and Ida Bittikoffer deeded land Nov. 16 to Leesburg Grain and Milling Company, the original name of the elevator. The articles of incorporation for the company state a grain elevator was to be built and also a flouring mill to manufacture and sell flour from wheat and other cereals. (See full story)
Deatsman said there is no plan for the lot at this time. Once the building is razed, the debris will be cleared away and the lot will remain empty.