Renovations began on the north end of the Downtown Walking Mall on Monday, with workers demolishing two longtime fixtures and closing the entrance of the Medical Arts parking garage.

Workers from Tabbert Construction, Inc. tore apart the kiosk near Sixth Avenue, using a torch to cut through the metal frame of the structure. The chatter of a jackhammer reverberated through the gulch as machinery punched holes in the hexagonal stage at the center of the walkway.

The garage entrance will remain closed Tuesday as workers repair and replace cracked pavement, removing trip hazards.

The historic cupola atop the kiosk has been moved into storage. Helena Parks and Recreation Director Randy Lilje said he believes the fragile accent is a remnant of the old Novelty Block building, which was razed years ago. The piece tentatively is planned to be used as part of a proposed new shelter at Sixth Ward Park, he said.

City officials initially thought they wouldn't be able to remove the kiosk, which some downtown business owners see as a visual obstruction. The original plans called for moving the structure to another location, but the option proved too costly, City Engineer Ryan Leland said.

He and City Manager Tim Burton said officials negotiated with Tabbert Construction to demolish the kiosk for a lower cost than the proposed move, allowing work to advance within the city's budget.

Trucks hauled away the bricks, and the metal frame was sold as scrap.

The total cost of the project is $236,000, Leland said.

Though officials have discussed other improvements to the mall, such as moving the playground and refurbishing a fountain at the south end, the work isn't included in this project, Leland said.