In 1982, the building was set for demolition + was sold for the value of the land less the cost of demolishing and removing the rubble.
Willem Otten was engaged to restore the building to its former glory. Windows were opened up – in some cases old cast iron frames were found and in other cases new galvanized steel frames were made to simulate the old frames.
The restoration has been an on-going process, and is still in progress today.
