The demolition of the former Sears building at the Southern Park Mall is underway and expected to last through fall.

Demolition started Saturday on the interior of the space that connects the former Sears building to the mall.

The area has been blocked off and the interior demolition is not expected to impact guests, according to Washington Prime Group, the company that owns the mall.

Demolition of the former Sears Auto Center is expected to be completed by early October, and demolition of the former Sears store building is expected to start in late October. It will take around four to six weeks to complete, the company says.

According to Washington Prime Group, construction traffic is not expected to impact those visiting the mall.