Alphabet house comes crashing down

Time has run out for Ed Ackerman's quirky Winnipeg property known as Alphabet House.

Ackerman, who wanted to be a mayoral candidatein the coming municipal election but didn't acquire the necessary number of signatures,had been in a dispute with the city for years over the condition of the Gertie Street house.

The 1 -storey house was covered in oversized letters, attached to the sides and even on the shingles.

But the structure was in need of significant repairs the rear of the house was open to the elements,the foundation in bad shape and thecity had repeatedly warned Ackerman todo the work or the housewould be demolished.

The citymade good on the promise Tuesday morning.

"I've just watched one of the letters of the alphabet, the big E, come crashing into the interior of the building," said CBC News reporter Julie Bell.

"Neighbours are watching [and] Winnipeg police are standing by in case there's any disruptions, but Alphabet House, which has been a sort of institution in this city for years, is coming down."

Ackerman said he intendsto take legal action against the city and rebuild on the same property.