An unstable Pleasantville building was partially demolished Monday to save the rest of the structure and surrounding businesses.

Crews demolished the back of 351 Manville Rd. to get a closer look at supporting beams. Earlier, engineers gave a bleak damage assessment. They found gaping holes from the inside to the outside of the building and huge foundation cracks. The roof was also twisting inward and some floors were sloping downward. Officials believe the damage started Saturday, possibly due to Friday's snowfall.

Inspectors hope relieving some of the weight on the foundation will save four retail stores and six offices operating inside the building.

Employees at a dental office inside the building noticed structural problems Monday morning and called 911. Firefighters and police evacuated about 20 people from the building along with individuals from nearby businesses.