SEA ISLE CITY -- After serving as part of the city's history for well over a century, the Ludlam Beach Lighthouse came crashing down in a heap of dust Tuesday.

Construction crews got to work in the afternoon, demolishing the landmark with heavy equipment piece by piece.

The lighthouse was originally built back in 1885, lighting the way for ships along the ocean front. It was moved twice since then, ending up at the corner of 35th Street and Landis Avenue as the top floor of a summer rental unit. In recent years, however, owner Charles Adams decided it was time for a change.

A few local residents came together to form the group Friends of Ludlam Beach Lighthouse, trying to raise enough funds to save the historic building. In the end, they came up just short.

The property will now be converted into three townhouses, which are expected to be ready for rent by next summer.