DETROIT – It has been a fixture near Grand River and McNichols Road on Detroit's west side for more than 80 years.
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In 2007, it was an end to an era.
What remains of the old Redford High School will come crumbling down in just a couple days.
"It just represents a lot of wonderful memories for all of us," said Stephanie Keith-Flanagan, who graduated from the school more 20 years ago.
Keith-Flanagan joined hundreds of former students, teachers and administrators Tuesday night on the football field. Their school spirit hasn't diminished with time.
"It's a mix of sadness and happiness. It's sad to see something that was a big part of your life where you really became an adult. You met all your friends and family," said Dale Collins, who graduated in 1969.
Diane Marrocco, who graduated in 1969, told Local 4, "It's kind of bitter-sweet, you know. Look at all these people. They all had something for Redford."
Bitter-sweet because a wrecking ball will clear the way for a new Meijer store. It will be one of just a few big box grocery stores in the city.
"A lot of people don't have a job. So that's a plus. That's one good thing to come out of it," said former student Steve Price.
Keith-Flanagan went on to say, "Anything that does good for the community is always a good thing always a good thing. No sadness in that."
Meijer says it's unclear when construction will begin, but demolition will begin before week's end.
Old Redford High will be gone, but the memories will always be here.
"Nothing stays the same forever. As long as you can see it and remember it. You've still got it," said Price.
Meijer has broken ground on a new store location near Woodward Avenue and 8 Mile Road.