Demolition preparations are underway in Downtown Youngstown as construction vehicles and materials are brought to the site of the Realty Building explosion.

Two excavators, a crane and a flat-bed truck carrying steel beams are now on site.

21 News reported Friday that permits had been filed to start the demolition process. Contractor Gary Moderelli said the plan is to begin the demolition from the top to the bottom of the building on Thursday, July 11.

The next step in that process is to get a letter from the City of Youngstown declaring an emergency demolition so contractors can get a permit from the EPA to demolish the building.

Once the process begins, it should take two to three weeks until the area is safe to reopen.