Workers demolish UK lab that played role in space race

Demolition work has started on the University of Kentucky's Wenner-Gren Research Laboratory, which architects and preservationists wanted the school to save. Demolishing the building designed by noted Lexington architect Ernst Johnson will allow construction of a new science building.

The laboratory was commissioned for aeronautical research. It was one one of the area's few remaining examples of Streamline Moderne architecture. The style, which also was used in everything from steam locomotives to toasters, reflected mid-20th century Americans' hopeful visions of a space-age future.

Critics urged UK to preserve all or some of Wenner-Gren as part of the new science building. Among the ideas were using it as a cafeteria, café or coffee shop .

More on the building from columnist Tom Eblen

This story was originally published August 29, 2014 at 1:07 PM with the headline "Workers demolish UK lab that played role in space race."