Elkhart's Love mural inching toward destruction while some fight to save it

ELKHART, Ind. --A beloved Elkhart mural created by world renowned artist and Elkhart native, Kelby Love, might be reaching its final days as it is scheduled to be torn down in the coming week.  

The public art display was created as a direct response to gun violence being seen across the city with a heart back in the 1990s.

Now, the city is redeveloping that area and says while the message of the mural is timeless, the 100-year-old bricks behind it are not, and they must come down.

The demolition project started last month on the north end of Main Street and is inching its way closer to reaching the beloved wall.

The city says folks will have about another week or so to say their goodbyes.

"What we do know, is any potential attempt to salvage this wall," said Elkhart Director of Communications Corrine Straight said. "Yes, [it] would be incredibly costly, would likely be dangerous, and because of what would have to be done to the wall, it's going to ruin the mural anyway. We would like to put our focus in finding the mural a new permanent home going forward."

Passionate residents are questioning the decision and preparing to take a final stand.