REHOBOTH BEACH, DE -- Crews started demolition on buildings along Rehoboth Beach's Boardwalk, including Grotto's Pizza and the Sirocco Motel, on Monday, April 21st. Crowds gathered to watch the construction and say their final goodbyes.
Richard Urban, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said it was a bittersweet goodbye.
"I'm sorry to see it go but, you know, it's always improvements," Urban said.
City leaders said the demolition will make way for the One Rehoboth Avenue project. The proposed mixed-use hotel, which got approval from the city's planning commission in January, is expected to be a mixed-use hotel and retail space. The project is expected to take up multiple buildings between Rehoboth and Baltimore Avenues, according to city officials.
Urban reflected on the history of the buildings along the stretch on Monday.
"We knew when the Dolles sign came down there was probably not a future for these buildings," Urban said. "I understand from the history these were all thrown up right after the '62 storm. After being here for 20 years, you just hated to see the Dolles sign go."
John Wentling, who lives in Rehoboth Beach, shared similar sentiments.
"I miss the Dolles sign," Wentling said. "But it's progress, and we shouldn't stand in the way."
Lana Kostecka said she's excited about the progress.
"We're happy that they're improving a lot of the buildings, renovating, making Rehoboth Beach nicer," Kostecka said.
Tony Hemler agreed, sharing what he hopes the design looks like.
"They could still do shops underneath. It could be like that one hotel down the way that has a bunch of shops underneath," Hemler said.
City leaders said the demolition is expected to wrap up by May 15th, when the city's annual demolition moratorium takes effect.