SYCAMORE – The fire-damaged former Wendy’s restaurant at 439 E. State St. could be demolished next week – as long as weather holds to allow the utilities to be disconnected.

“We’ve had quite a bit of rain, and future rain may impact the process,” Sycamore City Manager Brian Gregory said. “Once the the utilities are removed, demolition could begin as early as next week.”

Gas utilities already have been removed from the eatery, which was declared a total loss after a fire in January. ComEd is expected to disconnect electric lines Thursday if the rain holds off, Gregory said.

From there, it’s a “few-day process” to knock the building down and remove the debris and a water main, but Gregory said he doesn’t expect the work to cause traffic delays.

“The water main termination is in the turn lane that’s adjacent to the property,” Gregory said. “If [there are] any interruptions, they’ll be minimal.”

The property will remain commercially zoned.

The restaurant has been an eyesore for passing traffic on Route 64 for months, with many wondering when the building would finally come down.

The restaurant owner, who is based in China, and his agent, who lives in Washington state, had to obtain permits from Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Transportation and the state before demolition could begin. Those were obtained sometime within the past month, as was a demolition permit issued by the city.

Northern Illinois Services will be responsible for the demolition.

Mayor Ken Mundy said the entire process has “been like pulling teeth.”

“It’s been real tough with the Wendy’s,” he said. “This has been the sixth month ... that building has sat there in that condition, but we think we have a little light at the end of the tunnel.”