Wrecking ball for former Ponderosa site
The revolving door of restaurants that have operated out of the former Ponderosa Steakhouse building in Kirkland will stop swinging, as a developer is expected to demolish the A-frame structure in the coming days.
An almost-iconic sight on St. Charles Boulevard for 40 years, the building will be replaced by a bank and a commercial space, according to Kirkland’s director of urban planning, Guy Filiatrault. The new structures will be an upgrade for the area, he said.
“It was kind of on its last legs,” he told The Chronicle yesterday. “If you look at the site right now, it’s terrible. For us, recycling the property is great.”
The building has been home to several restaurants over the years, including Mexicali Rosa’s and Win Wah Buffet. The last one closed about six months ago, Filiatrualt said.
Demolition can begin as early as today, he added.
Kirkland Mayor John Meaney said the site is “very historical,” as he recalled family trips to Ponderosa.
“I used to bring my kids there,” he said on Monday evening.
— Andy Blatchford
Weather: Montreal, August 20th 2008 / 11°C
/ Fair
/ Wind: 13 Km/h / Humidity: 76 % 
Steven Guilbeault - Environment Column
Richard Cléroux - National Columnist
