The removal of Computer House gives contractors better access to the doomed A167 Flyover.
Taylor Wimpey applies to build 250 homes at the former Clasper Village Estate site in Gateshead.
Brownfield sites around the Metrocentre in Gateshead are being redeveloped to create homes.
Gateshead Council will have an all-out election on Thursday 7 May where all seats are contested.
Work to demolish the crumbling road in Gateshead is set to continue for the rest of the year.
The huge artworks are part of a celebration marking the opening of a new events space in Gateshead.
Birtley Leisure Centre is getting new gym equipment, exercise bikes and upgraded saunas.
Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon says the demolition work is "getting closer" to starting.
Eight of the region's 14 authorities are imposing maximum 4.99% tax rises from April.
