Historic Belleville building to be demolished

A historic downtown Belleville building is scheduled for demolition as part of a renovation to improve public access to City Hall. The former Security Abstract and Title Company building is scheduled to be torn down as part of an $18-and-a-half-million project. The fixes include upgrades to the adjacent City Hall under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The 86-year-old building is home to the Belleville Police Department, which is moving to another downtown location next year. The city has owned it since 1988. Belleville plans to install a wheelchair ramp and accessible parking in the building's place.  City officials are also meeting with local preservationists who want to preserve Belleville's historic character.