WELLS — A former elevator in Wells that has sat empty for more than a dozen years is being demolished this week.

And several residents said they are pleased to see it happen.

Crews with South Central Minnesota Excavating & Septic began demolishing the Frank Bros. Elevator structures west of North Broadway on Wednesday, and on Thursday they cleaned up the debris and then planned to move forward with the demolition of the two remaining structures on the east side.

“It’s a happy day in Wells because it has been a long time waiting,” said Tom Loonan of the State Bank of Easton, which owns the property.

The structures had been under foreclosure since June 2013.

“I think most of the community is ecstatic to see that go,” said Wells Administrator Robin Leslie. “Those are blights in the community just sitting there not doing anything anymore.”

Leslie said getting the properties on the north end of Broadway cleaned up has been a high priority for her. She noted her files show the city has worked to have the buildings removed since 2006.

Mark DeLaittre with South Central Minnesota Excavating & Septic said it took about a half hour to take down the main structure on the west side of the street on Wednesday. During the work, crews discovered an antique grain cleaner.

It took 3 1/2 hours to salvage the equipment, and it will be donated to Farming of Yesteryear in Kiester, he said. Farming of Yesteryear is a threshing festival held annually in September.

DeLaittre said people have been driving by thanking them for their work.

“Anytime blighted properties leave the community is a good thing,” Leslie said.

After the land is cleared, the bank will put the property up for sale.

A large building north of the demolished structures that also bears the name of Frank Bros. Elevator was forfeited back to Faribault County in 2012 and will be for sale at some point through a sheriff’s sale, Leslie said.