Montreals Negro Community Centre demolished

The Negro Community Centre in Montreals Little Burgundy district has been torn down.

Workers began demolishing the building on Thursday morning, two days after Quebecs Court of Appeal struck down the Southwest's boroughattempt to save the historic building.

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The centre was once the heart of Montreals black community, holding after-school programs, dance classesand performances by jazz legends Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones.

It was also plagued by challenges. The centre was closed for 20 years due to funding problems and extensive repairs.

In April 2014, a wall at the abandoned building collapsed, prompting the Negro Community Centre's administration to file for bankruptcy in 2014.

Last week, aSuperior Court judge gave the buildings ownerthe green light to demolish the building.

Court documents showthe building is owned by a numbered company registered in Quebec.