NEWBURYPORT — With its clawed scoop, a massive excavator made short work of the former Mobil gas station at the corner of High and State streets on Tuesday, tearing it down section by section until most of it was reduced to large piles of splintered wood, cinder blocks and other detritus.
Among those watching the spectacle from a safe distance was property owner John Rossi, who is planning to build three condominiums on the lot in a three-story structure suggestive of the Victorian era architectural style. A fourth home would be built in a separate carriage-style building.
“I’m so happy to get it done,” Rossi said, holding a near-empty cup of Dunkin’ coffee.
The Amesbury resident and former Latitude Sports Club franchise owner said that after receiving a demolition permit from the city, he is becoming “more excited” each day.
“Now, it’s finally here,” Rossi said.
Also on hand were two local firefighters who oversaw the demolition. Lt. Stephen Hamilton sprayed water on debris piles to reduce the amount of dust and other pollutants. An equipment issue forced workers to stop before the entire building was leveled but that work should be completed today (Wednesday).
The loud clanging of the excavator was followed by the distinct sound of wood being ripped apart as the scoop tore through the building’s roof with little resistance. Someone standing next to Rossi leaned over and said it was becoming easier to envision the owner’s vision for the property.
Rossi said the next step would be to submit a new set of drawings to the Building Department to obtain a permit to start construction. Asked when that might happen, Rossi said he didn’t have an immediate answer.
Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon said in a statement that he is glad the project has begun.
“I’m excited to see its progress. It will be a great addition to the city,” Reardon said.
The demise of the former gas station comes after more than six years of uncertainty over what would happen to the property, which holds fond memories for longtime residents but also earned the distinction of being called an eyesore.
In July, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit to allow multifamily use on the property, clearing the way for Grossi to begin working with Building Commissioner Greg Earls on tearing the gas station down.
In 2010, Global Companies LLC bought the property at 95-97 High St. for $5.1 million. The company continued operating State Street Mobil there until shutting it down in May 2018.
Three years later, Global Companies entered into an agreement with the city, committing to redevelop the site for residential use only.
The deal came after roughly 400 people signed an online petition calling for demolishing the station as well as getting rid of its underground fuel tanks.
The tanks were removed and the site cleaned up before the property was put on the market for $1.2 million in February 2022.
Grossi entered into a purchase-and-sale agreement with Global for an undisclosed amount in 2023, roughly a year after an earlier deal fell through.
He submitted his building plans to the city under the name Clipper City Development LLC.
In February, the City Council helped clear the way for the project when it approved rezoning the corner to Residential 3, which allows for multifamily use as well as some commercial uses. The zoning change puts it in line with the other three corners of the intersection.
Rossi’s proposals were closely watched by those living close by, including next-door neighbors Stephanie and Novak Niketic, who expressed concern about the project’s scope and size, along with light pollution.
When reached for comment by email, Stephanie Niketic said she knew the building’s demise was imminent after the city issued a demolition permit Friday but was not given a heads-up about it happening Tuesday.
“That would have been nice,” she said.
Daily News reporter Jim Sullivan contributed to this story.