The group also is deep into negotiations with a Marriott franchisee, which would operate what's shaping up to be a mix of offices, hotel space and catering facilities in a new building, according to Supervisor Phil Cardinale.

"That seems like a good way to begin the new year," Mr. Cardinale said of the expected construction work, calling it a "sign of life" on beleaguered Main Street.

An Apollo spokesman, Kevin Davis, confirmed this week that contractors have recently visited the 30,000-square-foot building to develop bids for the demolition.

"Our goal is certainly to have it down by March," he said, while confirming the group is "in discussions" with Marriott over management of the new building.

"We don't have any final plans on what the structure will be," Mr. Davis said, "but it's definitely moving forward with significant progress and momentum."

Mr. Cardinale said plans for a six-story structure, to be built on the footprint of the existing two-story building, are beginning to take shape. The top floor would house a catering hall overlooking the Peconic River, he said, citing discussions with Apollo representatives.

Mr. Cardinale also said that the owners of Atlantis Marine World aquarium have submitted plans for a hotel of their own, about a block east of Apollo's building.

"We've received a site plan for the aquarium project and it's being considered as we speak," he said, noting that the project also calls for more exhibit space within the hotel. "The Architectural Review Board will be taking it up at its first January meeting. Between those two projects, there will be some evidence of life and revitalization on Main Street."

Not all members of the Town Board are as optimistic as the supervisor on the Apollo project, however.

Councilwoman Barbara Blass speculated at a public Town Board work session last week that the Apollo group could be razing the Woolworth building to make the property more attractive to potential buyers.

Apollo had originally proposed a massive development involving both the north and south sides of East Main Street but scrapped its plans after being unable to negotiate deals for the south-side properties.

mwhite@timesreview.com

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Woolworths....How Sad : 12/27/2008
I was a child when my Foster Father.....a Stone Mason from Italy did the stone front at Woolworths. His Name Is Valentino Siano. I don't know why I remember some briefs moments of that, but I am sure he did that work in the early 60's. I grew up,.... waking up in the early morning hours, many a day, going with him to help carry material and mixing Cement for many a job. Woolworths was one of them. I didn't realize it then, but he was building a work ethic in me that I rarely see anymore. I remember going past that store and proudly saying that I helped do that work. I always (also) remember going in there for the Best Banana-Splits I could ever remember, in later years, "Popping" one of the overhead Balloons to see how much (1 cents to 75 cents) I was going to pay for that delicious Split......How sad that no-one can see to keeping that Storefront and making it a Historical Landmark (for Riverhead), and building over and around it. Progress doesn't mean we should be Foolish, and forget the Past that has contributed to creating the present.. Today much "Stonework" on buildings is Fake, and created with shaped Styrofoam, covered with a cement stucco.....How sad that progress has gotten greedy and Blind...............Thomas Pastore

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