Demolition has started on the Route 66 Bliss Building, and crews tore down the first and most of the second floor of the former Lindy’s Diner.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Demolition has started on the Route 66 Bliss Building, and crews tore down the first and most of the second floor of the former Lindy’s Diner.

Video from that day showed the teardown after the facade fell. By that night, much of the building was gone.

The city took over the demolition after officials said the owner’s plans fell through. The owners are now suing the city because they believe the building could have been saved.

“Watching this is like watching a funeral. This has been our life for 35 years and to have it come down like this and under these circumstances is just gut wrenching,” said Dawn Vatoseow, co-owner of Lindy’s Diner. “I believe that the building probably could have been rebuilt after the facade fell.”

The Vatoseows are also suing State Farm after the company denied their claim. Their attorney said State Farm believed they knew about potentially dangerous damage, which the family denies.

Meanwhile, closures at Fifth and Central remain in place because of safety concerns. The city expects to reopen Central by July 15.