NEWMAN - A downtown building which for decades housed a steam laundry and was later a hub of social activities was torn down by demolition crews last week.

Local veterinarian Suzanne Solvin, who has owned the former Moose Lodge since about 2002, said major structural flaws made demolition more practical than attempting to reconstruct the deteriorating building.

She had initially purchased the Moose Lodge with the intention of moving her practice into the building, but eventually relocated Westside Animal Hospital to a facility at Highway 33 and Kern Street instead.