Today's demolition was the beginning of a five-year project to expand Methodist Medical Center.

Just after 11-30 this morning the Helen House demolition began.

Methodist Nurses, Doctors and Administrators applauded as the crane ripped into the 48-year-old building.

"Today really signifies the visible sign of our future" said Methodist President and CEO.

Helen House was built in the 1960s as a dormitory for students at the Methodist School of Nursing.

Today's demolition was the beginning of a five-year 425 million dollar expansion for Methodist.

And once Helen House is gone, a new entrance to the hospital will be built.

"So for the first time in over 30 years, hopefully in March of 2009, Methodist will have a very visible, very identifiable front door" said Bryant.

Methodist Employees are excited about the changes, though some reminisce about good times at Helen House.

"There's a lot of memories and things that I just wouldn't want to share that we did in nurses training that are going down.
Just like it says in Vegas, it stays in Helen House" said former Helen House Resident Mary Hunslet.

Hunslet lived in Helen House 40 years ago and today, it's bittersweet.
I may also be a sad moment for Les Kenyon of the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation.

He argues Hamilton Boulevard has historical meaning to Peoria.
Today Kenyon told News 25, "They have every right to do what they want to the building, but they need to keep Hamilton Boulevard the way it is."

But Bryant has other plans for the street.

Around September of next year from Glen Oak to Crescent we will have all of this area redone, the road redone.

Approval for that phase of the project however comes after a meeting with the city preservation commission.

Despite some objection, Bryant says the expansion and new facilities will benefit the community, and take Methodist Medical Center to a whole new level.