25 years after its renovation, JCPenney building torn down

The landmark building on Carrington's Main Street was demolished last week.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

The JCPenney building, a landmark on Carrington, North Dakota's Main Street, was torn down last week, 25 years after its renovation. The demolition was part of a larger project that also involved the old Evans Funeral Home building to the north and the former Carrington Hotel building to the west. Workers were careful not to cause any damage to the neighboring Schulz Plumbing & Heating building during the demolition.

Why it matters

The JCPenney building was a long-standing fixture in downtown Carrington, and its demolition marks the end of an era for the community. The building's renovation 25 years ago had been seen as a sign of the town's revitalization, and its removal now raises questions about the changing face of Carrington's Main Street.

The details

The JCPenney building was one of the last remaining landmarks on Carrington's Main Street. Its demolition was part of a larger redevelopment project that also involved the old Evans Funeral Home building and the former Carrington Hotel building. Workers were careful to avoid damaging the neighboring Schulz Plumbing & Heating building during the demolition.

  • The JCPenney building was torn down last week.

The players

JCPenney

A national retail chain that had a location in the landmark building on Carrington's Main Street.

Schulz Plumbing & Heating

A local business located next to the demolished JCPenney building.

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The takeaway

The demolition of the JCPenney building marks the end of an era for Carrington's Main Street, as the community grapples with the changing face of its downtown. The loss of this landmark raises questions about the future of the town's commercial district and the balance between preserving history and embracing progress.