Anderson officials plan to demolish Emge building

Officials in a central Indiana city plan to demolish a former meat-processing plant and convert the property into a maintenance and storage area for the wastewater department.

Anderson officials say the former Emge building on West 8th Street that was built in 1950 is scheduled for demolition Monday. The city purchased the building shortly after the plant was closed in the early 1990s.

Officials had considered using the building as a warehouse, but recently decided that tearing it down and replacing it was more cost-effective than repairing it. The building has stood vacant for more than 20 years with little or no maintenance.

Officials say the front of the 5-acre property will be restored with prairie grasses.

The new building is expected to be completed within six months.