U.S. SiteWork Inc. from Elk River is the prime contractor for the demolition of the dwntown water tower, which began this week in Albert Lea. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Demolition of the tower involves torch cutting into manageable pieces and lowering the pieces down to the ground with a crane. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Crews work to remove the downtown water tower piece by piece Wednesday morning in Albert Lea. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

The water tower has long been a part of Albert Lea's downtown skyline. The new tower is expected to be taller than the current tower. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune