Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – He’s calling it “the bittersweet end of the Pillsbury era in Springfield.”

Chris Richmond of “Moving Pillsbury Forward” says that’s what Tuesday will be, after the long-awaited demolition of the Pillsbury plant will begin.

He says the demolition of the 160 foot tall smokestack is expected to begin then or Wednesday, once a wrecking ball is put together on site starting Monday.

The new wrecking ball is expected to have a 200 foot boom, which is expected to be more than enough to reach the tallest structures on site.

Richmond says once the smokestack comes down, the five-story grocery mix building will follow.

There will be a viewing area set up in the front yard of the plant for people to watch that building come down. It will be shaded, he says, and there will be water, with temperatures in the 90’s most of this week.

“With safety in mind, we ask that onlookers stay clear of the main gate entrance at 16th Street so that workers and equipment can access the site with minimal traffic,” said Richmond.

Richmond will talk about the beginning of the end Monday at 7:40am on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.