Sears Roebuck

The old Sears-Roebuck building is coming down. Demolition of the circa-1949 one-story, brick building got underway today.

After historic status causes snag for development plans, the owner of the former Sears, Roebuck building on East Main Street files an application for a demolition permit.

Riverhead supervisor says downtown historic district designation will prevent former Sears building from being razed to make way for five-story apartment building. Landmarks commission chairman says that's not accurate.

The owner of the old Sears building and three smaller buildings adjacent to it has signed a contract to sell the properties to a developer with plans to construct a five-story apartment building on the site.