KSL.com's Tim Vandenack reported on the demolition of the iconic head houses of the Farmers Grain Cooperative grain elevator in Ogden, Utah, on Saturday morning. Marking the end of an era for northern Utah’s agricultural community. Two blasts of explosives brought down the 185-foot structures, with the first detonation at 8 a.m. and the second shortly after.
The 20-acre site is owned by Patriot Rail and operated as Utah Central Railway Co., which hired Grant Mackay Demolition for the project. The facility had served local farmers since its construction in 1941 but ceased operations as agriculture declined in Weber County, leading to plans for redevelopment as a transloading or warehousing facility.
The demolition stirred nostalgia among community members, with many recognizing the elevators as landmarks. While some expressed sadness over their disappearance, others acknowledged the need for progress in the evolving landscape of West Ogden.
The demolition process encountered some issues, as the head houses were intended to come down together, but ultimately tipped and fell separately, creating dust clouds that crews promptly managed.
