Demolition work begins on Freedom Park at Navy Pier

(Above: Video from the groundbreaking ceremony at San Diego's Navy Pier in April)

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Demolition work at Freedom Park at San Diego's Navy Pier began Wednesday morning.

A groundbreaking ceremony officially kicked off the construction back in April. On Wednesday, crews began demolishing the headhouse structure known as Building 11, located at the entrance of the pier.

San Diego's Board of Port Commissioners approved an approximately $7.4 million contract back in February with AMG Demolition and Environmental Services, Inc. for the demolition of the building. The total cost of the project, which is a partnership between the Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum, is estimated to be about $65 million.

"It's all a part of the Port of San Diego's vision to increase park and plaza space along the north Embarcadero and throughout the entire San Diego Bayfront. This project is just one way we are honoring our commitments and delivering on our promise," said Chairman Frank Urtasun with the board.

The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of this year, followed by the construction of Freedom Park in early 2025. The museum and the parking lot on Navy Pier will remain open during the demolition.

After its completion, the park will feature monuments and a memorial dedicated to John Finn, the first Medal of Honor recipient in World War II and a San Diego native. It will also include a garden featuring plant species native to California and a low seat wall with mounded turf intended for sitting, enjoying a picnic or other activities.

Freedom Park is expected to officially open to the public in early 2028 and is expected to be the largest veterans' park on the West Coast.