Despite the rebar used to reinforce concrete, the last wall of a bank vault is tipped over by a heavy equipment operator Tuesday at the site of the Bicentennial Plaza in Springfield. (Bill Kozar photo)

Workers continued to make progress on Bicentennial Plaza – a REALTOR® Community Partnership in downtown Springfield, knocking down the last wall of a former bank building Tuesday morning.

Demolition of the building and removal of debris had been going on for several weeks, and slowed as the only remaining part above ground was the bank vault. After the vault was knocked down, only the foundation below the building remained.

Work on the plaza continues, where towers will eventually hold large interpretative panels with messages that recognize significant moments of Springfield and Illinois history with an emphasis on diversity and minority relations. The project is expected to play a central role in the state’s 200^th birthday celebration in August 2018, and is part of an ambitious effort to connect the city’s historic downtown sites.

Below is a series of photos taken over several weeks that depict different stages of the building’s demolition.