(Toledo, OH) An iconic Toledo church is about to meet the wrecking ball.
The Toledo Catholic Diocese says demolition of St. Anthony Catholic Church is set to begin in June. The long-vacant church has not seen parishioners since 2005, so the steeple that has towered over Nebraska Avenue for more than 100 years is coming down.
The diocese notes the landmark Catholic church is showing recent signs of deterioration. St. Anthony was among several parishes that closed or merged more than a decade ago because of population shifts and a decline in the number of priests.
A spokesman says demolition crews could begin working as early as next Friday and last two months. The property will be donated to the Padua Center, a community outreach group that already operates out of the former church rectory.
Portions of Nebraska and Junction avenues will be blocked at times during the controlled demolition process.