Demolition of the Exhibition Hall in downtown Fort Myers, FL began Tuesday morning and the entire process is expected to take about 30 days.

The Exhibition Hall is located along the Caloosahatchee River on Edwards Drive.

City leaders say the demolition will be an important step in the redevelopment of the downtown area.
Few city landmarks have aged as poorly as the Exhibition Hall. But behind every wrinkle, crack and missing letter is a story of the music and celebrations inside.

"All of our big dances were here. You can hear the music still can't you - Chubby Checker and do the twist," said Lydia Sherman.

Elvis performed at the Exhibition Hall in 1955 and President Gerald Ford spoke there in February 1976.

The building has been vacant for years. Demolition is costing the city $140,000.

The city has not decided on what will take the place of the Exhibition Hall. The two options are commercial development or leaving it as open, green space.