Demolition Begins At Motel Where Pastor Camped Out
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Demolition crews are at work on the 6600 block of South King Drive, tearing down the old motel where a minister spent more than three months living in a tent on the roof.
As WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports, the Rev. Corey Brooks was excited as kids gathered before school in the lobby at his New Beginnings Church, 6620 S. King Dr.
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"We're going to tear a building down today," Brooks said.
Outside across the street, demolition is beginning on the old Super Motel, at 6625 S. King Dr., where Brooks camped out on the roof for 94 days. The long-abandoned motel will be a haven for prostitution and drug use no more.
"Tearing this down, for us, represents our hopes being ready to go up, and a lot of faith being put into something, and a major thing being accomplished," Brooks said.
Believe it or not, Brooks kind of misses the tent where he spent 94 days, so he went back to the roof of the motel the other day.
"Because I felt like I'd gotten away from the fundamental principles of just having patience, and meditating every day, and praying every day," Brooks said.
Brooks came down from the roof late last month actor-director Tyler Perry pledged to make the final donation so Brooks could buy the motel and have it demolished.
He raised $450,000 for that purpose, and is now seeking to raise $15 million for redevelopment so a community center can be built on the site.
Donations are being accepted via Brooks' campaign, Project HOOD (Helping Others Obtain Destiny).
