HASTINGS, Neb. — Interior demolition is underway at the city hall building in Hastings.

A city news release says the demolition is part of the renovation process for the building, which has been empty since April 2023. The work includes removing some interior walls, ceilings and out-of-date equipment and infrastructure. The demolition work will be finished by October 1.

The city asks that people not park in the areas near the building, especially the parking spots on the south and east sides of city hall. The parking lot will be closed once the renovation phase begins.

Bidding for the renovation project is currently open. Construction work could begin in the fall.

Discussions around the future of city hall were a heated topic in early 2023. Conversations picked up after a study detected dangerously high levels of mold in the building. Some favored completely demolishing city hall and replacing it, while others preferred the renovation route. The city council voted 8-0 in September to renovate the building.