R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press Workers begin to dismantle the roughly 120-year-old building at Escanaba’s 1007 Ludington St., which was damaged as a result of the fatal fire that leveled the two neighboring buildings to the west during the morning hours of Jan. 24. This should be the final loss of the blaze that destroyed neighboring businesses Schwalbach Kitchens and Trinkets and Treasures and claimed the life of 52-year-old Randy Hughes. The structure now being demolished, owned by Craig Woerpel, was built between 1899 and 1906, according to Sanborn maps. Called the “Groos Block” in the early years of the 20th century, it housed the Groos Drug Store for at least 80 years. Most recently, the site served as the home of East Ludington Gallery, which has since relocated across the street to 1000 Ludington St. (formerly the Morrison Shop). The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2014 as part of the Escanaba Central Historic District.

R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press

Workers begin to dismantle the roughly 120-year-old building at Escanaba’s 1007 Ludington St., which was damaged as a result of the fatal fire that leveled the two neighboring buildings to the west during the morning hours of Jan. 24. This should be the final loss of the blaze that destroyed neighboring businesses Schwalbach Kitchens and Trinkets and Treasures and claimed the life of 52-year-old Randy Hughes. The structure now being demolished, owned by Craig Woerpel, was built between 1899 and 1906, according to Sanborn maps. Called the “Groos Block” in the early years of the 20th century, it housed the Groos Drug Store for at least 80 years. Most recently, the site served as the home of East Ludington Gallery, which has since relocated across the street to 1000 Ludington St. (formerly the Morrison Shop). The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2014 as part of the Escanaba Central Historic District.