Belleville News-Democrat
Workers watch from a safe distance as the main structure of the former Wood River Power Plant in East Alton is brought down by explosives Feb. 1. The demolition is a visual reminder of the deindustrialization process many parts of the Metro East face.
EAST ALTON — When the Wood River Power Station’s main building was brought down earlier this month, it was another visual reminder of the Metro East turning away from some of the heavy industry that helped build the region.
Even though the old coal-fired power plant closed in 2016, the demolition spurred nostalgic comments from St. Louis and Metro East residents sad to see a prominent building along the Mississippi riverfront disappear.