With Demolition, Rebuilding Starts

Heavily damaged by fire in early February, the home at 43 East Hill Road was demolished Monday.

Homeowners John and Liz Legere said they experienced many mixed emotions seeing the house demolished but said it feels good to be moving forward.

"I feel this is a new chapter," John Legere said.

The family said negotiating with their insurance company had delayed the process. Maglieri Construction and Paving of Bloomfield was the general contractor for the job and Simscroft-Echo Farms of Simsbury assisted in the demolition.

John Legere said the home was about 55 years old. Shortly before the fire, he had installed new insulation, siding and roofing.

The Legeres, both school teachers, will rebuild on the site. The old home was roughly 1,500 square feet and the new one will be closer to 2,100.

The family lost all of its belongings in the fire, except those in the garage, which was not damaged and was left standing. It will be incorporated into the new home, which will combine Cape and Colonial design elements.

John Legere said the it is due to be completed by February but he suspects it may take slightly longer.

The Legeres have been staying in Farmington and said they are looking forward to returning to Canton. Both said they greatly appreciated the support and donations they received after the fire.