Razing of two more historic Massillon buildings begins on Lincoln Way W

MASSILLON – The seemingly long-anticipated teardown of two downtown buildings on Lincoln Way W – the former Howard's Tiger Rags and its adjoining structure – began Wednesday afternoon.

Around a dozen onlookers gathered along parts of nearby streets and parking areas, watching the two historic structures at 125 and 129 Lincoln Way W start to fall.

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Among those looking on was lifelong Massillon resident Tom Allman.

"It's a sad thing to see 'em go on one hand, but what are you going to do?" said Allman, 79, who was watching from the Walgreens' parking lot on the opposite side of Lincoln Way.

The three-story, vacant storefronts each occupied about 2,500 square-feet. Allman recalled that one used to be a tailor shop a number of years ago.

David Maley, Massillon's economic development director, said the teardown of the two buildings should continue for multiple days.

"There's no specific time estimate (for completion), but work will probably go into next week," he said.

Louisville-based Eslich Wrecking Co. is handling the demolition work. The same company recently tore down a pair of other downtown buildings, 20 Lincoln Way E , the longtime home of S.A. Conrad Hardware store, and 14 Lincoln Way, which was the former home to multiple drug stores like Snyder Drugs, Massillon Drug and Lincoln Drug.

Margarita's Mexican Grill to close temporarily

Margarita's Mexican Grill & Cantina, 121 Lincoln Way W, which is the neighboring building to the east of those coming down this week, will be closed for the duration of the demolition.

"We were told it would be more than a week, maybe 10 days," said Jesus Mireles Jr., who works at Margarita's with his father, Jesus Sr., the business' owner. "That side of our building hasn't seen the light of day in probably 100 years or so."

Mireles is disappointed about having to close the restaurant. Losing business will be tough, as well as problematic for the 12-to-15 employees at Margarita's, which has been open for nearly 15 years in downtown.

"Like anything there's some risk," he said. "What am I going to do with all this produce that won't keep for 10 days? I hope people come back and support us when we reopen."

Detour posted for motorists traveling on Lincoln Way W in Massillon

On Tuesday, the city of Massillon temporary closed a section of Lincoln Way W and posted a detour — between Lillian Gish Boulevard and First Street SW — routing traffic away from the work area.

Estimated cost to tear down Tiger Rags and the neighboring structure is $175,000. The city is utilizing a reimbursable state grant to fund the job, which is estimated at $225,000.

A lien is to be placed on the properties. However, Massillon City Council is considering legislation that would forgive 80% of the demolition cost.

The A. Altman Co. of Canton is in line to purchase the properties at 125 Lincoln Way W and 129 Lincoln Way W from longtime owner Jim Rubin. A. Altman had agreed to buy the properties for $120,000 following the demolition, and wants to redevelop the properties for future retail use.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Downtown Massillon Howard's Tiger Rags building demo starts