First Avenue eyesore torn down; green space coming | News

A building that’s become a north side eyesore has finally come down.

The old Paddock Tavern at 1510 N. First Ave., which dates back to the early 1900's, was razed Tuesday morning.

Once a saloon years ago, it became a restaurant during Prohibition and was home to several other businesses over the years until it became abandoned and run down.

Its long history came to an end when Mayor Lloyd Winnecke delivered the first blow with a sledgehammer.

It was also a safety hazard for the 30 or 40 trucks that come to nearby Bootz Manufacturing every day. The building was recently purchased by Bootz, which opened a distribution center next door two years ago.

“When they come up you really can't see as you're coming out the traffic coming from the south going north, because this building blocked their view,” said Peter DeSocio, CEO of Bootz. “(It was) very problematic."

Once the building is cleared, the greenery that you see in front of the Bootz plant next door will spread.

“We'll continue the theme over here with lots of trees and evergreens,” said Jay Scott of Combs Landscaping.   

The extensive landscaping Bootz did around the distribution center was recognized with the 2011 Keep Evansville Beautiful Improvement of the Year Award.

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Former tavern to be demolished in community improvement project