The Smithville landscape is changing again as another old building is being demolished in the name of progress. The building that many long-time residents remember as Knowles Hospital, on South College Street in Smithville, is being demolished.

 The 9,500 square foot building has stood, prominently overlooking West Broad Street, since 1966, but has fell into disrepair over the past years. The new owners of the property said that the cost of renovations, including new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, would have outweighed its value, and that tearing the building down was their best option.

The abandoned property had suffered damage from thieves and from vandalism, posing a liability issue for the owners as well. The new owners hope to sell the property after the demolition is finished.