(Skip Schulz/For the Gazette) The demolition of the former Wagers Restaurant and Bar began on Monday in downtown Ontonagon.

ONTONAGON — The demolition of the former Wagers building in downtown Ontonagon began on Monday morning.

The demolition contract was awarded to Norm Pestka Construction at the July 22 meeting.  The contract was for $76,500.00. There were only three bids for the contract, with the biggest concern of having the project being done by Oct. 1.

The village will receive a grant to cover a portion of the contract.

“(The demolition) will help to bolster the hope and purpose to move forward with proposed projects and initiatives to enhance our quality of life,” said Michael Burzynski, community development fellow with Project Rising Tide.

The demolition drew spectators to the site, one that the village hopes will entice a new business to locate at the vacant lot.

“The development of the equipment rental business on M-64 and the expansion of the Ontonagon IT business to the south 7th street-purchased state building, towards economic development in the village of Ontonagon,” Burzynski said in regards to the new business.

Burzynski is leading a new Downtown Development Authority Project.