LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Progress is being made on the demolition of a Highview home that Louisville officials said was filled with dangerous chemicals.

It has been a long process on Applegate Lane, as heavy machinery continues to remove the home piece by piece. The area is blocked off to the public, and large shipping containers have been positioned around the property.

The Environmental Protection Agency started tearing down the home of former chemist Marc Hibel last week. Louisville officials said more than 20 different types of chemicals were found inside along with homemade explosives.

The garage was taken down first, and aerial images released Wednesday by Louisville Emergency Services show only the basement is left of the house at 6213 Applegate Lane. 

A fire department ladder truck is positioned near the site, and stacked cargo containers line the property. Inside the perimeter, a bulldozer and two excavators filling large metal dumpsters can be seen on the newly released images. The yard has been scraped down to dirt. 

After detonating explosives on-site back in July, the city originally planned to burn down the house. But the EPA scratched that plan, instead opting to tear it down with an excavator, which it said is the safer option.

Police said Hibel owns one of the homes and had been squatting in the other house on the corner.

Hibel faces charges for burglary and wanton endangerment. Court records show he posted part of his $10,000 bond and is seeking treatment for his mental health and addictions. That was a condition of his home incarceration agreement.

Images released by Metro Louisville officials before the demolition show the inside of the cluttered homes where authorities say Hibel kept hazardous chemicals and explosives. 

IMAGES | Inside the Highview home where explosives and chemicals were found

Louisville officials are trying to determine the best way to remove hazardous materials from the home on Applegate Lane. 

After three months of blocked streets and a closed neighborhood, people who live nearby are eager for this to be over.

The demolition is expected to wrap up by the end of the month.

Last Friday, WDRB was told crews would be finished in seven days, which would be Friday, Oct. 27.

The city plans for a news conference on Thursday to give an update on the demolition. Once the job is finished, the EPA said they're going to restore the land where the home used to be.

For more information or updates on the project, click here. 

Related Stories:

Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.