Gas lines are being disconnected, and then the asbestos will be removed.

Then, in a matter of weeks, the wrecking ball will take its first swing at the former Freeman Shoe Co. in South Beloit, IL

The building, which the city bought last year for $465,000, sits at the entrance to what city officials hope will be a redeveloped Riverside Park.

It was bought to be destroyed, and this year the council set aside $100,000 for demolition.

Last week, council took the first steps toward demolition by passing a resolution to ask the gas company to disconnect the gas lines on the structure.