Crews put up fencing around the mall last week and closed down the road on the back side of the property in advance of the start of tear down. They worked inside over the past week to remove reusable or recyclable items such as lightbulbs.
Demolition work will extend into the summer.
D.H. Griffin Wrecking Co. is the contractor, according to the demolition permit issued by the City of Knoxville on March 17. It is based in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Knoxville s worst-kept secret
Fans of the mall and nostalgic shoppers have had ample time to prepare for demolition of the buildings.