GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN, NC – Demolition on Grandfather Mountain’s Top Shop, located next to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, will begin Wednesday, April 23.

            A ceremony will be held outside the Top Shop at 10 a.m. and will include a speech from Grandfather Mountain President Crae Morton.  Past and present employees of the Mountain will also be on hand to take part in the event.

            Demolition will begin on the front of the building immediately after the ceremony.  The total demolition process is estimated to take three to four days.

            Grandfather Mountain’s Top Shop has been in place since 1961.  Due to decades of abuse from weather and expected wear and tear over the years, the building has been in need of an update.

            The new building, designed by Appalachian Architecture and built by Greene Construction, both of Boone, NC will be a smaller, more efficient building and will provide elevator access to the Bridge area for handicapped guests.

            The new building is projected to be finished spring 2009.  Until then a temporary building is in place to be used as a small gift shop.

            A construction “progress report” has been posted at www.grandfather.com/top_shop_pics/progress_report.php.