According to Craig Hoium, community planning director, today’s demolition of the former Showgirls Saloon (commonly remembered as the Brown Derby), is the first of many to come. As soon as one is done, another will be started, Hoium said.

Over the next week, Thirsty’s Bar, Dave Thompson Insurance, Culligan and Beltone businesses will come down and afterward, Usem’s. He had no specific dates for the demolitions because some of the buildings will require abatement work inside. He estimated if all goes well all the buildings will be down in the next couple of weeks.

Hoium also advised the Anytime Fitness Center building will go to court for a condemnation hearing in November, the title search continues on the former Palacio Del Cumbia and apartment building owners and the city is negotiating with Steve’s Pizza owners about when they can vacate their building.

More news could come at Monday night’s council meeting.