-Messenger photo by Amanda Geopfert
The front wall of the former Hayloft building at 710 Central Ave. appears ready to collapse as workers using excavators tear the building down Monday. The structure, which dates to about 1880, was supposed to receive some significant facade improvements as part of a project funded in part with a $500,000 state grant. But when work began, some significant structural problems were found and it was decided to demolish the building.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Two excavators from Doyle Construction, of Fort Dodge, tear into the downtown building that many Fort Dodge residents may remember as the Hayloft. The building at 710 Central Ave. was demolished Monday because of significant structural problems that were found when some work on its facade began. The Fort Dodge City Council hired Doyle Construction to do the job at a cost of $205,000.