A large brick industrial complex, the equivalent of ten-story-high office building, has begun to collapse, forcing evacuations of nearby residents in downtown Mahanoy City.

"Families were evacuated. About 12 are affected," said Louis Huber standing a block away from the former Kaier Brewery building shortly after noon Tuesday.

Huber, town councilman, lives in the nearby Mahanoy City High Rise and witnessed some of the bricks falling from the Main Street icon.

The building has been a Schuylkill County landmark since the 1880s and was known for its lighted, 18-feet-high Christmas star atop the roof. Residents say the star shined like a beacon over the town.

Even in neglect, the building continued to dominate the horizon from its slightly elevated location on the 100 block of North Main.

"It's the equivalent of a ten-story building," said Huber.

However, years of neglect and decay took a toll that couldn't be overcome, said residents.

It is unclear what caused the structure to shift and twist, but some at the scene said demolition workers most recently had cut through a large steel beam on the building's west side.

The nearest neighbor, however, said he noticed the building listing quite a while ago.

"I saw that it was starting to twist or turn about four or five days ago," said the man, who identified himself only as Robert and lives one door south of the brewery.

The building was set to be dismantled as part of a borough improvement plan. Tuesday's developments accelerated those plans.

Huber said large equipment was being summoned to try and take the building down immediately if possible.

Kaier Brewery was one of the town's major employers and housed the largest beer-making operation in the county.

Despite a long, proud history, the building is targeted for razing as part of a streetscape project and the area turned into a recreation area for children, according to borough officials.

Mahanoy City acquired the property in recent years through an agreement with former owner George Mammerella, who transferred ownership to the borough for $1, according to Dan Lynch, borough manager.