SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The City of South Bend has begun demolition of the long-vacant Qualex building at 921 Louise Street.

The former photo processing facility, once a subsidiary of Kodak, has been vacant for more than a decade and has experienced significant deterioration over time. Due to poor structural conditions, portions of the building and roof have collapsed, creating a hazard to public health and safety.

After years of neglect by the current and previous owners, the city determined that demolition was necessary to address the safety risks the building posed to the community. The demolition is being carried out through a court order under Indiana’s Unsafe Building Law. The South Bend Redevelopment Commission is funding the $365,000 project as part of its efforts to address blighted and unsafe properties in the city.

Work began earlier this week and is expected to be completed by July 4. Once demolition is finished, the site will be cleared and stabilized, creating an opportunity for future redevelopment.