Demolition has begun on the Riverside traffic circle building that used to be a Howard Johnson’s and a diner.

The former old Howard Johnson’s and former Old Riverboat Diner were vacant for an extended period of time.

The building will be replaced with medical offices, and apartments on the top floor. Groundbreaking is expected to happen as early as this summer.

It comes as a major renovation project is underway at the traffic circle across the Peconic River from Riverhead's Main Street.