Old hospital demolition begins

A demolition more than 20 years in the making started around 10 a.m. Tuesday, as crews began leveling the old Three Rivers Hospital.

A team from Dore & Associates of Bay County used the bucket end of an excavator to start the process. City manager Joe Bippus said weather may play a role in the projected timeline, but he said Dore officials indicated they hope to have the building razed by early December and debris field cleared by spring.

In all, the process is expected to cost $1.3 million, Bippus said, noting the city received a grant for $450,000 to help offset dollars Three Rivers is using from its general fund to cover the project’s cost.

Bippus said further discussions with potential developers interested in the 2.5-acre property will likely take place starting next year.