Kodak implodes another building

Another one bites the dust as the first of three more Kodak buildings this Fall was imploded. On Saturday morning, Building 50 came down at 7 a.m., attracting hundreds of spectators. They ranged from the curious to former Kodak employees who describe the implosion as bittersweet.

At exactly 7 a.m., Building 50 came tumbling down. What was once home to Eastman Kodak's photographic paper operation, is now a 25-feet tall pile of rubble along Lake Avenue. The implosion itself took about ten seconds without a hitch.

"The building started in the center portion of the east wall and then worked its way to the north and south and the building came down on top of itself," said Edward Slobak, a Project Manager for Kodak.

Within seconds, the entire area where the building stood was covered in a cloud of dust.

"The rain helped somewhat. It's a double-edged sword because it helps to knock the dust down, but then it also takes and causes the dust to stick on buildings that are wet," said Slobak.

Hundreds of people wanted to witness the last moments of the 89-year-old building, most of them were former Kodak employees, even more worked in Building 50.

"It's just a part of me. It's a big part of my life and I know that when you work someplace and put a lot of effort in and you go there everyday to watch it come down is like a closure," said Deborah Hoveland, a former Kodak employee.

"We all had a lot of fun and got the work done and did a top notch quality job and to see all that go other places is a little disheartening," said Bernie Sohn, a former Kodak employee.

Building 50 is the first of three buildings set to come down this Fall. Kodak officials say the implosions will usher in a new digital era making Kodak a stronger, leaner company.  Regardless, many former workers wouldn't let the rain stop them from witnessing the end of an era.

"Today, I came out here to spend some time with old friends and kind of see a good chunk of our history go down the tubes so to speak," said Sohn.

Buildings 65 and 69 are scheduled for implosion in the next few weeks, but a date has not been set.