The Aransas County Courthouse came crashing down Thursday as demolition crews finished what Hurricane Harvey started.
The building had been in place since 1956 but was severely damaged in the storm.
Plenty of residents from Rockport and around the county gathered to watch the courthouse being demolished. At the controls of the demolition, the machine was County Judge Burt Mills.
Mills' grandfather was a commissioner back in 1956 when the courthouse was built.
"Reminded me of when I opened up Cedar Pass Bayou, except this was more exhilarating," Mills said. "When something goes bang, it's exhilarating."
The Northstar Company is in charge of the demolition and one of their experts was impressed with the job the judge did on the heavy machinery.
"It's like he's been doing it his whole life," said Paul Chapple, Northstar Director of Operations. "It was a magnificent piece of operation."
The demolition job should take about three weeks to complete.
"It's bittersweet. This building served the county for many years, and lot's of history. It's sad but it's time. Harvey didn't do us any favors except this one," Mills said. "We get to rebuild, and rebuild for the future with a building that's up to date."
The judge said he is hoping the State will help with the financing of the rebuild, which right now might include a courthouse and City Hall built side-by-side.
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