The IDG building in Peterborough is slated for demolition later this month.

According to Director of Planning and Building Danica Melone, removal of the long-vacant commercial building on the corner of Route 101 and Elm Street will begin within two weeks. 

IDG was a publishing operation that established a presence in Peterborough in 1962. Unicom Systems in Peterborough later acquired the property, but the computer services company has not occupied the space for years. 

“No immediate plans for the site are available from IDG,” Melone said. “Redeveloping it is not a huge priority for the firm.”

“Demo” has been spray painted several times on the exposed faces of the building. The site also included a motel. Issues on the property have included asbestos, which was commonly found in building insulation.

“Water damage and mold have taken their toll,” Melone said. 

With the Select Board’s approval in January, Melone applied for a $500,000 InvestNH Demolition Grant on behalf of Unicom. The firm agreed that they would execute the work before year’s end, and Melone stated in January that it had completed all the necessary permitting.

The Mathewson Companies will manage the removal of the building. The Peterborough Fire Department will coordinate preparations for the demolition.