Winter Weather and Demolition

Our office has been receiving phone inquires over the past few weeks with regard to performing demolition during the winter months. The main question is, “do you guys work throughout the winter”? The follow up question is a simple “how”?

The first question is easy to respond to, yes; we embody a 365 – 24/7 mode of operation. That being said, there is extensive criteria that allows Champion Environmental Services, Inc. to maintain an industrious pace during wintery conditions. What follows is a cursory overview of how Champion Environmental Services, Inc. functions in unfavorable environs.

While most operations surrounding construction tend to slow during cold the weather months, advances in technology and safe guideline practices – tempered with experience, allows Champion Environmental Services, Inc. to perform demolition despite low temperatures and adverse conditions.

In general, working outside in cold temperatures equates with slow work and more frequent breaks. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. hedges against this assumption through proactive strategic planning that is job/site specific. Our workforce of operators, laborers, project managers, and filed superintendents are fitted with the finest cold weather construction gear which is comprised of warm, breathable materials that is conducive to safe, productive work. Additionally, project managers and field superintendents continually monitor weather and site conditions to determine a sensible approach to the task at hand.

So “how” do we get demolition done with snow on the ground or in icy conditions?

It is imperative that all the workers survey the site prior to starting operations to identify potential road blocks/challenges which may inhibit work or create hazardous situations. Attention to detail, however small or insignificant in appearance, must be noted. A laborer picking bricks who is unaware of a small patch of ice could easily loose his/her footing while sorting/stacking piles and slip. A fall on the sidewalk outside your house is bad enough, but falling on a construction site with debris scattered or while carrying heavy equipment could be serious, or worse, potentially deadly.

As I have noted before, a clean-operable site which utilizes a material segregation plan affords greater efficiency. A winter environment dictates that we sometimes, albeit briefly, use machines to move snow so that pathways are clear to get trucks in/out and keep areas open to separate recyclable items.

Dust suppression during demolition is a delicate issue to address. Freezing temperatures means freezing water; an encrusted citadel would preclude safe operations on any level. Experienced machine operators must be selective while razing a structure. A careful approach can mitigate dust – snowfall can be a beneficial, added deterrent to particulate disbursement.

Ultimately, weather does not determine our ability function, safety drives the decision making process.

Forecasting 2010

At this point, I would regard 2009 as tepid at best. Industrial/retail vacancies are at an all time high, new home start-ups barely at a pulse, the hotel industry remains cautious, and available credit, what little there is, drips into the market.

On average, I speak with 40-50 real estate professionals daily - everyone from lenders to developers, commercial agents, and general contractors; the once hopeful anticipation of a decent 2009 has given way to macro indignation. There appears to be symptomatic depression in every conversation with anyone who carries a vested interest in the real estate market.

I have been attempting to forecast 2010 for several months. Indicators initially displayed some recovery in the second quarter; however, over the past two weeks, I am beginning to sense that 2010 may be worse than 2009.

The CMI reported by the National Association of Credit Management report released November 2 for October 2009 suggests that a 50.1 index breeches the natural stance of 50 thereby indicating a positive move toward growth.

It is my contention real estate is a critical pathway to overall economic recovery and without the credit market loosening cash/liquidity, we are looking toward a disastrous 2010.

Key factors to watch in forecasting 2010:

1. Manufacturing output
2. Oil, strength of dollar, gold
3. The REAL numbers behind jobless claims/unemployment
4. Holiday retail season [albeit, a rather short indicator]
5. Geopolitical issues

There is an incredible amount of existing cash on the sidelines which will require the appropriate credit to get projects off the ground. I can say this with a great deal of certainty as we have been engaged in “budgeting” dozens of projects. We have walked several parcels averaging 800,000 square feet where owners/developers are attempting to get a read on overall project costs. The vision reflected in these meetings shows investors in the ebb and flow of the next wave.

My conclusion: The pool of potential growth will quickly evaporate without a tsunami of credit. Let it rain.

More From Marquette University

The “Daily News” seems to have keen interest in our efforts on behalf of Marquette University as their photographer John Krejci was out again yesterday documenting the work in progress.

We appreciate the coverage by the “Daily News”.

Marquette University

Another photograph from our work at Marquette University published in the “Daily Reporter”. Photo credit goes to John Krejci.

Marquette University

A photograph from our work at Marquette University published in the “Daily Reporter”.

Just In From The Field – Marquette University

Demolition began yesterday for Marquette University’s new engineering school; below is a picture sent in from our Field Superintendent.

Hide House Lofts development underway : The Bay View Compass

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. received local news coverage in the “Bay View Compass” newspaper concerning our progress at the Hide House demolition project. The article highlights our recycling efforts which have exceeded a 90% threshold before work is complete.

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is regarded as an industry pioneer with regard to demolition recycling; our innovative practices predate the Green Building Council efforts to promote Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design know commonly as LEED certification. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has facilitated a range of LEED projects over the years and is currently involved in several initiatives throughout Wisconsin.

A link to the “Bay View Compass” article is below.


Hide House Lofts development underway : The Bay View Compass

Posted using ShareThis

Gateway Community Hospital Asbestos Abatement

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is set to begin asbestos abatement at the abandoned Gateway Community Hospital in East St. Louis. The St. Clair County Board officially approved the contracts in a meeting Monday, October 26, 2009.

The following article concerning the job was published in the “Belleville News-Democrat”. The article was written by MIKE FITZGERALD.

Long tagged as an eyesore, abandoned hospital to be torn down
BY MIKE FITZGERALD - News-Democrat

BELLEVILLE -- The abandoned Gateway Community Hospital, long tagged as one of the worst eyesores in East St. Louis, is set to come down soon and possibly be replaced with a park, thanks to a vote Monday night by the St. Clair County Board.

The County Board approved two contracts worth nearly $623,000 with contractors to tear out and dispose of asbestos from the condemned building at 1509 Martin Luther King Drive and then demolish it and cart away the rubble.

"It'll be a great improvement for the city of East St. Louis," St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern said.

Champion Environmental Services Inc., of Gilberts, won a county contract for $317,500 to remove and dump the building's asbestos, the contract shows.

Ahrens Contracting Inc., of St. Louis, won a contract worth $305,335 to raze the building, according to the contract.

Since its closure 20 years ago, the abandoned hospital has stood as one of this city's biggest and worst eyesores -- a magnet for rats, vandals and complaints, especially from parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church next door.

In March, the County Board agreed to pay a flat fee of $55,000 to SCI Engineering Inc., of St. Charles, Mo., to oversee the hiring of contractors to search for and remove asbestos from the building, and to tear down the structure.

Since autumn 2000, the old hospital had been condemned after East St. Louis city inspectors designated it unsafe.

Contact reporter Mike Fitzgerald at mfitzgerald@bnd.com or 239-2533.

Champion’s Contribution to New State of Wisconsin Demolition Recycling Program

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced the implementation of mandatory recycling on all state construction and demolition projects. The initiative will officially begin January 1, 2010.

Champion Environmental Services, Inc., a pioneer of waste reduction in building demolition, took part in several state project studies dating back to 2007; our demolition efforts were monitored and documented by WasteCap Resource Solutions.

Findings were reported back to Governor Jim Doyle, the Wisconsin Department of Administration Division of State Facilities (DSF) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Champion provided WasteCap Resource Solutions onsite empirical accreditation along with open interviews of key project managers/field superintendents who clarified the implementation strategies of our best practices for demolition recycling.

Champion’s innovative approach to material recycling help guide recommendations presented to the Wisconsin Department of Administration Division of State Facilities (DSF) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The press release about the program is below.

Interagency cooperation leads to recycling on State of Wisconsin projects
News Release Published: October 19, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Ann Coakley, DNR Waste and Materials Management Program Director, (608) 261-8449

Recycling required on state construction projects over
$5 million and state demolition projects as of Jan. 1, 2010

MADISON – Wisconsin should see less construction and demolition (C&D) debris in its landfills come the first of the year. A unique partnership among two state agencies and a nonprofit organization has shown that C&D projects throughout Wisconsin can successfully recycle. Based on these results, the Division of State Facilities will be requiring C&D waste to be recycled rather than put in landfills. This will apply to State of Wisconsin construction projects over $5 million and demolition projects advertised for bid after January 1, 2010. The efforts will reduce waste disposal costs, conserve landfill space and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The encouraging results come from a pilot project in which the nonprofit WasteCap Resource Solutions (formerly WasteCap Wisconsin) worked with the Department of Administration Division of State Facilities (DSF) under a contract with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The goal of the project, which began in 2007, was to develop methods, standards and trained staff to result in successful, measured C&D debris recycling on state projects.

Nationally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates more than 170 million tons of C&D debris are generated each year. In Wisconsin, C&D debris—much of which is recyclable—represents a huge proportion of the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream. A 2002 DNR study found that C&D debris made up nearly 30 percent of the MSW stream, with five of the top 10 largest single components of the MSW being materials found in C&D debris, including untreated wood and shingles as the first and third largest components, respectively.

In recent years, the state of Wisconsin annually approved about $400 million to $500 million for construction, making state projects one of the largest sources of C&D debris generated in Wisconsin.

“We recognized this was a significant effort, not only because of the potential to reuse and recycle C&D debris from state projects,” said Jenna Kunde, executive director of WasteCap. “We knew if we could give contractors experience with C&D reuse and recycling and make it a part of the way they do business with the state; it would have the potential to allow them to implement successful C&D recycling on projects throughout Wisconsin and beyond. It’s a result we’re already seeing realized.”

The inspiration for the project came from Gov. Jim Doyle’s 2005 Conserve Wisconsin Agenda, in which he committed to following green building standards for state buildings and set a 50 percent recycling goal for all state projects. In response, the DSF developed a Sustainable Facilities Policy and Guidelines, including C&D debris management guidelines.

At the same time, the DNR contracted with WasteCap, a nonprofit organization that provides waste reduction and recycling assistance for the benefit of business and the environment, to work with the DSF on the implementation of C&D debris recycling on state projects.

“By any measure, this effort has been a success,” said Dave Haley, State Chief Architect and Deputy Director of the Bureau of Architecture and Engineering for the Department of Administration. “Every pilot project exceeded the 50 percent goal and many of the contractors that recycled on these projects are now recycling on other projects where they are not required to recycle. These projects have an average 84.8 percent recycling rate and have diverted 41,771 tons of material to date—the equivalent of removing 1,500 cars from the road for one year.”
Here are the results:

•UW Madison Biochemistry Phase II (Demolition and Construction)
Recycling rate: 99.12 percent
Tons diverted to date: 25,592
•UW Parkside New Residence Hall Construction
Recycling rate: 60 percent
Tons diverted: 334
•UW Stevens Point – Balwin Hall Renovation
Recycling rate: 90.65 percent
Tons diverted: 231
•UW Superior-Rothwell Student Center Replacement (Demolition and Construction)
Recycling rate: 95.75 percent
Tons diverted to date: 1,339
•UW Whitewater Hyland Hall, Demolition Phase
Recycling rate: 97.65 percent
Tons diverted: 13,694
•UW Whitewater Hyland Hall, Construction Phase
Recycling rate: 65.65 percent
Tons diverted: 581

“We are very pleased with the example this project has set,” said Ann Coakley, director of the DNR Waste and Materials Management Program. “The work the DSF and WasteCap have done, with input from DNR staff, has laid the groundwork for the development of robust C&D recycling markets in Wisconsin and trained some of the state’s biggest contractors in recycling best management practices. This project has helped make Wisconsin a national leader in C&D recycling.”

Additional Resources (both links exit DNR): Governor Doyle’s Conserve Wisconsin agenda and Division 1 Construction Waste Management specifications

Demolition Video

The video below is an adaptation from raw video posted last week.

Marquette University Demolition

Champion Environmental Services, Inc., in partnership with Opus North, will perform the demolition of four apartment buildings on behalf of Marquette University as part of the new $100 million College of Engineering.

The article below can be found at http://www.globest.com/news/1516_1516/milwaukee/181596-1.html

The author of the article is Katie Hinderer.

"Board Approves $100M Engineering School"

MILWAUKEE-The Marquette University Board of Trustess approved the first phase of the $100 million College of Engineering facility Opus North Corp. has been chosen as the Design-Builder, while Opus Architects & Engineers will serve as the architect of record. Hamel Green & Abramson helped Opus design the project.
Phase one of the project will be the construction of a 100,000-square-foot, five-story building. Four university-owned buildings will be demolished to make way for the new laboratory-focused facility. The building is being constructed using the teaching and research house concept, according to Opus officials. It will have labs, classrooms and student work areas designed to enhance the collaboration between fellow students and staff.

“The facility is organized about a central spine, showcasing dynamic laboratories, and providing collaborative spaces to gather and foster a creative community,” says Terry Helland, director of design architecture for Opus A&E. “The exterior architecture speaks to the lab planning module and the engineering logic of assembly while the repetitive monumental elements and rhythm echo the collegiate gothic architectural vocabulary found elsewhere on campus.”

Marquette University Architect, Thomas Ganey, says “the university expects to break ground for the new building in spring 2010 with initial occupancy planned for August 2011.” The facility will be located on the southwest corner of W. Wisconsin Avenue and N. 16th Street.
Later phases will include a 150,000-square-foot building, which will house classrooms, offices and more labs.

Opus North is a major builder at Marquette. The company is also currently constructing the new Marquette University Law School, set to open during the summer of 2010, and the Joseph and Vera Zilber Hall, a 128,000-square-foot student services and administration buildings, poised to open in November.

Demolition Video

Video of our team dropping an elevator shaft on an emergency response job; this initiative is part of an extensive demolition and asbestos abatement project. The work is being facilitated on behalf of a private client and is scheduled to finish late November.

Demolition Photo Update

Some pictures from ongoing demolition projects in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Bid undercutting reaches ridiculous proportions…Another Example

As was reported by Mark Anthony of “Demolition News” back on August 24, 2009, in an article entitled “Bid Undercutting Reaches Ridiculous Proportions,” [link here: http://www.demolitionnews.com/2009/08/24/bid-undercutting-reaches-riduculous-proportions/#comment-1746] Mr. Anthony highlighted the current atmosphere of excessive low bidding on demolition projects across the United States.

I have expressed in previous postings my own theory regarding the current economic climate and lack of aggressive bidding we have witnessed; companies are desperate to solidify any work, even at the expense of losing money. A quick victory for these companies does little to strengthen long term growth and hampers the probability of surviving into the new fiscal year.

Here is a bid tabulation just faxed to our office. The project entailed the asbestos abatement of a former powerhouse in downstate Illinois. The second bid package was for the demolition of the powerhouse. Overall, a moderate size job for both abatement and demolition. Below are the bid results - I have not included the names of any company despite the public nature of this information.

Asbestos Abatement
$279,483
$531,000
$622,000
$745,000
$794,000
$928,700
$2,715,438

Building Demolition
$59,700
$73,900
$118,000
$126,800
$151,764
$163,436
$202,202
$209,436
$224,000

In each bid package, disregard the high and low bids; the disparity is still abysmal. Certainly, these are not the worst results we have encountered.

What I see reflected in the numbers is an economy that exists in the hallo of a coma; vital signs are apparent, cerebral comprehension, departed.

Champion To Direct Another LEED Project

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. in partnership with the Madison Environmental Group, will facilitate a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification project for the City Row initiative in Madison, Wisconsin.

Prior to the demolition of 11 multiunit residences, Madison Environmental will oversee the deconstruction of the properties. Materials identified for reuse include: hot water heaters, boilers, decorative trim, hardwood flooring, pine/oak doors, decorative handrails, and miscellaneous door hardware/light fixtures.

The project will include the proper removal of all site hazardous waste. Fluorescent lighting with mercury and PCB bulbs and ballast will be properly disposed. All refrigerants will be recovered per Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 488.

The demolition recycling efforts will include concrete, brick, block, asphalt, metals and clean wood. The project is scheduled to begin the first week of November. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is confident that we will help the client achieve 95% recycling rate through our innovative practices.

Just In From The Field

A project manager just relayed some photos from a job site out of state for a private client.

Former Trinity School Nursing Dormitory

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. was awarded the demolition of the former Trinity School Nursing Dormitory located in Moline, Illinois. Phase one of the project, asbestos abatement, is scheduled to start next week and should be completed by late November. Following the proper removal of all ACM, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will mobilize equipment to begin demolition. Wrecking is scheduled 95 days and will be contingent on favorable/safe conditions during the winter months to complete the project on time.

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. performs demolition year-round and retains extensive experience to navigate challenging conditions. We will be guided by one principle as we facilitate our projects over the winter months which is reflected in our company motto; “The safety of our workers and those around us will drive the decision making process.”

Cinemark Theater Evanston, Illinois

At 1:30 a.m, Wednesday, October 6, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will mobilize a team at the Cinemark Theater in Evanston, Illinois to begin removing a portion of the raised concrete flooring.

The selective demolition of the floor will help prepare the theater for the conversion to an IMAX experience. In order to accommodate the new viewing experience, the floor elevation needs to be altered. Our scope includes removal of the existing concrete ramp and raised floor. Grinding may be required to properly take out the leading edge of the slab.

Our workers will protect the surrounding area with a plastic enclosure and the area will be misted with water along with the use of negative air machines to keep the dust at a minimum.

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is not only experienced at full building demolition as we have a division of estimators and laborers who are fully indoctrinated with the essential skill set for selective deconstruction projects.

Just In From The Field

A project manager just relayed some photos from a job site out of state for a private client. More to come as pictures are dispatched into the office.

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. Update – Economic Outlook

Despite the continued economic impediment that exists in the real estate and construction related industries, we are still experiencing a high volume of solicitation for proposals involving demolition and environmental services.

Based on comparative metrics in relation to last year at this time, the degree of opportunity is up 18%. While the quantity remains elevated, the magnitude of projects taking place is on a smaller scale. Rather than full building demolition, many projects seem to center on interior renovations and build-outs. One could surmise that this is a reflection of cyclical construction patterns easing workloads as we turn into fall in anticipation of winter. However, the majority of retail, office, hospital, university, and multi-residential projects over the past four months have centered on minor to mid-size interior demolition projects.

Some Broad Conclusions.

Lenders are still reluctant to finance speculative or large projects. Convalescing older structures with minor aesthetic improvements in the $50,000 to $200,000 range of project cost seem to be experiencing little resistance to financing.

Another observation we have noted is that key decision makers are extremely reticent with regard to initiating the start of a project. We have a healthy backlog of verbal commitments sans executed contracts; the developers and owners (in my estimation) are attempting to determine short and long term market outlook.

One guiding principal employed is the American Institute of Architects Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The index serves as an economic indicator of nonresidential construction. The ABI is one factor of influence.

Daily economic reports which cover everything from jobless claims, to commodity price fluctuation, housing starts, manufacturing output, and the general bipolar nature of the Dow and Nasdaq activity rounds another sphere of persuasion.

The anticipation of the Chicago Olympics, in my opinion, induced a collective inhale of possibility and exhaled shared disillusionment. Partisan politics aside, the opportunity that would have been created for contractors had Chicago been awarded the Olympic bid is extraordinary.

I personally know several investors who literally would have digested blocks real estate, everything from vacant lots, to multi-residential parcels, to distressed industrial buildings; the geographic realm not only included Chicago, but Indiana, Wisconsin, and Detroit, Michigan as well. The infusion of capital, which has been sitting on the sidelines, will remain vaulted.

The complexity is truly exhaustive. The author James Joyce wrote, “A man of genius makes no mistakes; his errors are volitional and are the portals of discovery”. Those who operate under such a premise in today’s climate stand to ascertain little.

Asbestos Abatement at U of I

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has initiated an asbestos abatement job at the University of Illinois. The scope of work includes the gross removal of floor tile, mastic, pipe and pipe fittings. Quantities of ACM consist of 10,120 linear feet of pipe and fittings in addition to 38,290 square feet of floor tile and mastic.

The job should be completed by November.

Video Experimentation

Here is the first draft of a video I am working on as part of our promotional material.

The Misconception of What Demolition Wrought

All too often, opposition surrounds impending demolition projects. Resistance will manifest itself in many forms. There are those who argue against demolition projects citing environmental factors. Others contend the historical significance of a building outweighs the “wanton destruction”. The spectrum of contention is rather exhaustive.

A polemical position against demolition practices has only three avenues of appeal: logical, ethical, and emotional. The emotional outlet (by far, the most employed) makes for great newsworthy headlines, spirited municipal meetings, and can help marshal quick support – often, a thoughtless process with regard to the totality of the project at hand.

When logic is applied to such scenarios, people begin to realize that demolition marks a new horizon of opportunity and economic growth. Such is the case at the Shoppes at Fox River in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

In partnership with Opus North, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. was retained to abatement and demolish a 561,000 square foot distribution center at 1200 W. Sunset Drive. This morning on GlobeSt.com, an article was published highlighting the new development of the 58 acre suburban infill location.

The Shoppes at Fox River is the embodiment of what demolition creates, progress.

The article from GlobeSt.com appears below with link: http://www.globest.com/news/1505_1505/chicago/181278-1.html

___________________________________________________

Opus North Opens $62M Shoppes at Fox River
By Cari Brokamp

WAUKESHA, WI-Opus North Corp., of Chicago, has opened the first phase of its $62 million The Shoppes at Fox River retail development at 1200 W. Sunset Dr. The first phase of 250,000 square feet opened at about 90% leased, with a second phase of construction planned to begin in spring and deliver another 250,000 square feet of space by summer 2011. Two of the development's anchor tenants, a 132,000-square-foot Target and a 60,000-square-foot Pick 'n Save grocery store, have already opened, and another eight stores are scheduled to open later this fall.

"It's a great first-tier suburban infill location," John Meyers, VP of retail development for Opus, tells GlobeSt.com. "Waukesha is a great suburban community, and this is a portion of town that didn't have a retail shopping area and we're able to take advantage of that. For retailers, from a strategic standpoint with where their other stores were located, this was a great infill location for them without a lot of retail immediately around it, so there was a market void and they were available to take advantage of it."

Other retailers scheduled to open within phase one this fall include a 14,000-square-foot CVS Pharamacy on a 1.9-acre outlot, a 5,000-square-foot Chili's restaurant on a 1.3-acre outlot, Buffalo Wild Wings, Subway, GNC, Verizon, GameStop and Noodles & Company. Openings scheduled for spring include a 13,500-square-foot PETCO, as well as a Maurice's and Famous Footwear. Asking lease rates at the development range from $13 to $35 per square foot net, depending on location.

There's very few uncommitted spaces at this point and in today's marketplace, that's phenomenal," Meyers says. "The site itself was well-positioned and had some momentum going in, so we focused on the first phase of the development, which was still feasible to do. Even in a difficult time, we continued to get national tenants and hang onto that momentum as long as we held onto the boundaries of what the market could support."

Work on the 54-acre property began in summer 2008, after Opus acquired it for more than $11 million, demolished the 561,000-square-foot distribution center once located there and changed the land's zoning. About 18 acres remain available remain available for development and Meyers said Opus is considered build-to-suit opportunities or selling pad sites for retailers interested in locating within the development. Michael Fitzgerald and Dan Rosenfeld of Mid-America Real Estate-Wisconsin are marketing space within the development.

When completed, Opus says the retail development will be the largest in Waukesha and the sixth largest in the Milwaukee area. Designed by Minneapolis-based KKE Architects, the project is located in the southwest suburban Milwaukee submarket. "The Waukesha marketplace has remained very viable and held up very well there," Meyers says.

Tragedy Averted – Local Demolition Contractor “Lucky”

Yesterday, a local contractor dropped the roof of a building on a demolition worker. Thankfully, the 45 year old survived the ordeal. The article below was published in the “Sun Times”. Video provided by ABC 7 News Chicago.

"Demolition Worker Rescued After Northwest Suburban Building Collapse"
September 22, 2009
STNGWire

A Chicago demolition worker escaped with only minor injuries after being trapped for nearly an hour when a roof collapsed during a scheduled demolition Tuesday afternoon of a Menard's store in northwest suburban Hoffman Estates.

Police and fire personnel responded to a partial building collapse in the 2300 block of West Higgins Road at 3:55 p.m., according to Arlington Heights police Sgt. Greg Poulos, who said the incident happened during a scheduled demolition of a Menard’s store.

A demolition worker became trapped under a roof, which collapsed during the demolition. Crews were immediately able to make contact with the man, who was trapped in a three-foot high pocket under the collapsed roof, Poulos said.
Crews provided the 45-year-old Chicago man with a radio to communicate with emergency personnel and also cut a hole in the roof to check his air quality. Crews then stabilized a portion of the roof and cut out an area to allow for the man to climb out of the space, Poulos said.

The man was rescued about 4:50 p.m. and was taken to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, where he was treated and released within an hour, Poulos said. He suffered only minor injuries.
Poulos described the worker as "the luckiest man alive," due to the three-foot high pocket, which prevented major injuries.

Members of the Hoffman Estates Code Enforcement and investigators from OSHA arrived at the scene and the remaining portion of the partially collapsed wall was safely demolished.

Link to video - http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=7027441 [Due to embedded code, I could only copy the link]

Follow Champion Environmental Services, Inc. Demolition Live

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is in the process of implementing live video feed coverage from our demolition projects utilizing construction webcams. The system has several invaluable advantages to both clients and Champion management:

1. Clients can view the progress of demolition work from their office thereby decreasing onsite visits.
2. Archival documentation of projects can be facilitated for both clients and CESI.
3. Live video stream into the CESI office on all staff, management, and project manager computers.
4. Unbiased accountability for what is actually taking place.

Given the expansive geographic foot-print of our job sites we often work will developers who maintain offices hundreds of miles away from the project, this system will leverage greater control, accountability, and client access in these cases.

The cable for the system was installed in our Gilberts, Illinois office yesterday. The installation of software and office server upgrades will take place over the next few weeks. It is our intention to have public and client access up by mid-Fall.

As soon as the system is running, I will post a link and instructions for access here on the Blog.

Work At Hide House Ready To Begin

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is finalizing paper work and utility cuts in preparation for the asbestos abatement and demolition of the Hide House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Hide House is a 200,000-square-foot complex that started out as a metal stove and bed factory in 1898; over the years, several additions were added to adapt to the needs of various industrial tenants. The last major construction occurred in the mid-1940s when J. Greenebaum Tanning Co. built the Hide House addition on the north end of the complex.

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will be responsible for the ACM removal of wrapped pipe insulation and floor tile/mastic. Only a portion of the sprawling complex, some 60,000 square feet of building will be demolished in what will be the first phase in a redevelopment effort of the property.

Our commitment to environmental initiatives will be readily apparent on this project as we are looking to achieve minimum recycling rate of 80%.

Work will begin in two weeks. Check back in for pictures and update on this project.

[Photo credits to Google Earth]

Underground Storage Tank Removal

Last week, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. facilitated the removal of four petroleum filled underground storage tanks. Essential precautions must be taken so as not to compromise the containers and create further environmental hazards.

Following appropriate local and state notifications, the remaining fuel is safely drawn from each tank and properly disposed. An environmental study concluded that significant soil impacts surrounded the buried tanks. Careful excavation around the UST must ensure that contaminated soil and clean aggregate do not mix. Nitrogen is pumped into the tank to mitigate potential hazardous situations; the nitrogen helps purge the tank of potentially explosive vapors.

After the tanks are removed, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will begin soil remediation efforts which will be overseen by an environmental consultant; the consultant will be responsible for testing any remaining dirt to ensure significant plumes of contamination no longer exists.

University of Wisconsin, La Crosse Demolition Video

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. just completed the initial environmental remediation of three dormitories at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. Wilder, Trowbridge, and Baird Hall are now prepped for demolition as all associated asbestos containing material has been properly removed and disposed.

The new 185,000 square foot academic building is seeking LEED Silver Certification from the Green Building Council. As a result, our efforts will be focused on reclaiming aggregate in an effort to eliminate more than 75% of associated demolition debris from reaching local landfills.

Here is some video footage from our project at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse involving the final segment of the demolition at Trowbridge Hall.

This video is provided with the help of the following You Tube subscriber: http://www.youtube.com/user/ableidinamy21

Demolitionnews.com A Fine Resource For Industry Updates

I encourage you to visit a fine demolition news site facilitated by Mark Anthony of Epsom, England. The link to the page is at www.demolitionnews.com.

The focus of Demolition News is to “ . . .bring demolition contractors, visitors, readers and subscribers the very latest in demolition developments from across Europe and the world. Although we work in close conjunction with many of the demolition trade bodies across the world, we have no specific affiliation with any of them, meaning we can deliver up-to-the-minute industry news, views, videos and comment, regardless of a company’s membership status”.

The postings are informative and enjoy solid commentary from those who visit the site.

Demolition, The “Green” Guide

The demolition industry has been dedicated to green initiatives long before the Green Building Council and like-minded organizations evolved. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is regarded as an industry pioneer with regard to our approach in recycling products out of our demolition projects.

Our commitment to recycling has translated into being awarded the “Big Diverter” by WasteCap Wisconsin for the highest recycling rate on a demolition project. This project involved the demolition of a 440,000 square foot building which yielded a recycling rate of a little over 97% by volume and 99% weight; 39,144 tons of debris was diverted from landfills through our efforts. Champion Environmental Services,Inc. is very proud of these results and continually works to improve such baseline efficiencies.

Key factors to successful recycling include project planning, on site project management, and an experienced team of operators and laborers who understand the scope of work.

The videos at the end of this entry illustrate the proper segregation of material during demolition; on site material management must involve continual spot review by project managers who will make appropriate adjustments to the implementation plan. One of the consistent remarks we get from people who view our demolition projects is that they cannot believe how “clean” we keep our sites during demolition.

Our approach to Recycling:

Each job is unique - there is no one stop/blanket approach; each individual project has inherent advantages and disadvantages - which are mostly contingent on two key factors: geography, essentially where the job site is located and amount of clean recyclable material that is available.

Geographic local is very important as we find large metropolitan areas such as the Chicago, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland markets offer many local vendors who support and provide end use places for raw material, whereas the further we mobilize into isolated areas – the issue is one of cost – for us to load and transport say wood beams to our Racine Wisconsin yard from job in Minnesota for resale versus the opportunity to work with someone near our job site who deals in antique woods and has use is a factor will influence recycling success.

Isolated locations can be cost prohibitive when labor costs and transportation are factored in. Areas which provide close supportive reclamation opportunities are favorable circumstances for increasing target objectives. The good news is we are seeing vendors evolve, grow, and expand their markets to provide sound resources for items such as clean drywall or the strong move toward roofing shingles operations - such opportunities directly impact our success and creates greater probability to achieve sound results. Another factor is how much clean material - free of asbestos, lead, or other hazards - is available to recycle.

Older building/homes and especially industrial sites often contain a host of environmental hazards which must be addressed. This is something we take into consideration on any initial site visit/during client consultation and upon review of the environmental consultants’ survey.

The nature of that clean recyclable product and size of the structure is also a relevant point of assertion: the more concrete, steel, antique brick in a large structure the greater opportunity for positive reults. One specific example I would cite involves concrete; for our company to mobilize a concrete crusher and provide clean fill from concrete slabs and foundation for use on new construction following demolition is more cost-effective when numbers reach 2,000 tons of available material to work with. Our fleet of crushers and screens allows us the flexibility to create any sized aggregate to meet the standards for new construction infill.

Bottom Line of advantages and disadvantages:

The bottom line in terms of how feasible it is to recycle and reuse material is not only contingent on some of the factors I just outlined but driven by what the clients’ needs are and how cost effective the choices before us translate. While the majority of people who choose our company to provide demolition services like our focused green initiatives, we will from time to time get a client who wants the project facilitated inane manner – in other words, they want the building gone and don’t care how we do it or where the material winds up. We try to guide clients who operate under this premise that we can provide a more cost-effective solution through reuse and recycling while providing options.

The project also must make fiscal sense – we are a business and must operate within certain margins – that being said – our innovative practices 90% of the time inhibit the potential financial downside from being a factor. Because we offer 24/7 response for emergency demolition situations – given a certain set of circumstances can often mean just getting a building down in favor of creating a safe environment - these cases often result in a different mindset – alleviate the immediate danger, then assess what you have.

Key Factors To Our Success:

There are many factors which contribute to our success which includes the development of relationships with vendors who provide reuse opportunities; we have a a database that is geographically broken down to maximize/capitalize on such prospects.

We are continually seeking new vendor relationships and connect with them early on even if no job in currently taking place in that area. A proactive approach allows for seamless execution when an opportunity presents itself.

Innovation – we are always seeking news ways to enhance what we do; by maintaining an eye on industry innovations and supportive industry advances allows Champion to refine and improve our commitment to being stewards of the environment in a business that is usually viewed as anything but friendly to the environment.

I hope you enjoy these videos. Credit for the video goes to the following person on You Tube who posted these in April of 2008 - http://www.youtube.com/user/jdrews3

Bio-Chem Univeristy of Wisconsin, Madison

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is finishing up work at the Bio-Chem building at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Today, CESI sawcut and removed a precast concrete slab 11 stories above ground. The edifice housed the mechanical room for the building.

The critical phase was performed under strict safety standards and completed without incident.

The picture below was taken from the job site this morning.

Lattof Chevrolet Demolition Arlington Heights, Illinois

The following is a link to an article by Deborah Donovan run in the “Daily Herald” on 8/21/09 concerning the demolition of the former Lattof Chevrolet in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Pictures by Mark Black accompany the story.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=315216

Why Competence Matters Part II

Let me preface my remarks so as not to be misunderstood: the referenced event below is tragic and our company is saddened by the loss of brother in the demolition industry. These remarks place no blame or opinion of fault with regard to the situation as much as highlighting awareness to the imminent dangers associated with demolition work.

A tragic case in Chicago reiterates a posting earlier this month with regard to worker safety and the overall competence of a demolition company.

On Tuesday, August 11, a 35-year-old demolition worker was killed when the front-end loader he was driving fell seven stories at a site on the Near South Side. The man was in a Bobcat that fell seven stories; the victim was pinned in and fire crews had to extricate him from the machine. The employee was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital at 10:08 a.m.

The companies at the project site were seasoned contrators and well versed in worker safety while demonstrating high competence with similar projects. If a highly regarded company can experience such misfortune that results in the loss of life, it only hardens my argument that expertise far outweighs low bid proposals in choosing a demolition company.

Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family, friends, and coworkers of the victim.

Demolition Photo Update

True Teamwork















The following is a pictorial representation of several projects underway throughout Wisconsin.

Why Competence Matters

The demolition industry is often viewed as a “simple” business enterprise where men and machinery haphazardly wreck buildings and move on. In reality, demolition work is far more cerebral; a competent demolition company must employ people who demonstrate strong credentials in architecture, physics, environmental sciences, and mathematics.

Given the current economic difficulties, business entities are seeking value in any deal which requires tapping into cash reserves. When a demolition company is chosen for a project based on low bid proposal rather than factoring in overall aptitude and experience, the results can be catastrophic.

The news out of Cankiri, Turkey points to one recent case. If you have not viewed the AP released video, please cut/paste the link below to YouTube. Neither deaths nor injuries resulted from this demolition mishap.

This project was allegedly slated for a controlled implosion. One empirical observation based on the video points to the gapping/gutted lower portion of the building. It appears as though the company removed key load bearing elements, many that would have been essential for placing explosives. Implosions rely on proper placement and sequencing of blasts. Additionally, the video lacks evidence of multiple detonations which would lead me to conclude that this building was literally standing on one support element. The workers on site who performed the initial gut were most likely in imminent danger throughout the process.

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is a proven leader in the demolition industry; our governing motto is “The safety of our works and those around us will drive the decision making process.”

Green Bay, Wisconsin Wal-Mart

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will begin work next week in Green Bay, Wisconsin as part of project that involves an intensive gut and remodel of a Wal-Mart. We will be providing some exterior site demolition work to improve the store approach aesthetics. Simultaneously, a crew of skilled laborers will facilitate a complete interior teardown.

While Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is regarded for our seamless approach to full building demolition, we retain a capable group of highly trained workers who perform selective demolition. Workers who perform such tasks must have a keen eye which is attentive to detail; the effort is to effectively remove material based on the scope of work while preserving items which are to remain in tact. Proper planning, project management, and scope sequence are pivotal factors for positive outcomes

Demolition Work In Arcadia, WI Covered By Winona, MN Newspaper

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. received some news coverage in Winona, Minnesota concerning our work in Arcadia, Wisconsin. The article was published in the “Winona Dailey News” with the article by Dustin Kass dustin.kass@lee.net.
Photograph by Melissa Carlo, also of the “Winona Dailey News”.

Demolition of two Arcadia landmarks to improve traffic, pedestrian safety

ARCADIA, Wis. — A crowd of curious onlookers spread across the Cleveland Street sidewalk Thursday. Many aimed cameras or camera phones at the Massuere building across the street, where an excavator ripped out another section of bricks from the back wall, sending them crashing into the growing pile of rubble below. They wanted to see history fall.

“I’ve looked at it all my life,” said 92-year-old Mark Fernholz, gesturing at the demolition process from his power chair before falling silent for a few moments.

“I want to see the roof come down, and then I’m going home,” he said, smiling.

Demolition crews focused their efforts on two of Arcadia’s oldest buildings — the Massuere building and an adjacent building that was the longtime home of Maloney’s Baloney. The demolition will clear the way for a project next summer to realign the intersection of Hwy. 95 and County Road J, a much-needed change that will improve downtown safety, said Mayor John Kimmel. Many in the crowd echoed the potential benefits, but they said Arcadia will have a different look and feel without two of its landmarks.

The two-story Massuere building was likely built in 1875 as a store for The W.P Massuere Co., historians said. The large structure allowed the company to stock and sell everything from farm machinery, livestock and hardware to food and clothing items.

“The store bought everything the farmer raised and sold everything the farmer needed to buy,” according to a newspaper article from the time. The store was such a hub that many employees were required to speak English, Polish and German to better help their customers.

“It was like the Walmart of Arcadia,” Randy Kube, president of the Arcadia Historical Society, said in April.

The store probably closed in the 1930s, local historians said, but the building continued to house a variety of businesses and tenants — most recently, an insurance company, a gym for Gold’n Plump employees and apartments.

The building next door also has a rich history. Martin Maloney bought a local meat market in 1912 and renamed it Maloney’s Meat Market. The name was changed to Maloney’s Baloney after World War II, and the meat-processing business occupied the building until December, when it closed its doors in anticipation of the demolition.

The business’ departure is the only downside of the more than $1.1 million project, since it had been a “staple of our community,” Kimmel said. But he said he had no regrets about demolishing two buildings to improve traffic and pedestrian safety and make downtown Arcadia more inviting. “That’s a good trade-off in my mind.”

Out of State Emergency Response

Last week, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. mobilized a team with heavy equipment to address an emergency out of state. The circumstances required CESI to assemble our top veteran operators and project managers off of other job sites. Due to the sensitive nature of the situation, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is maintaining a reserved approach with regard to press releases per the wishes of the client.

What we can state is that the operation requires highly skilled professionals who can navigate and implement a prudent strategic approach in a dangerous situation. The current status is that major problem areas have been stabilized but will require our presence seven days a week for the next four months.

As the conditions become more favorable for the client, and with their authorization, we will be making statements to the press and updating more definitive information here.

Stimulus Package

Lately, there has been a great deal of discussion among our peers concerning the impact of stimulus monies released by the Federal Government; the question, has the infusion of capital resulted in a more robust construction outlook? Partisan politics aside, depending upon who you are speaking to and what industry he or she represents, responses are varied.

From the perspective of demolition and environmental remediation companies, here are the current observations. Most of the money is being allocated to local municipalities that are employing the funds to address the blight of foreclosed or abandoned homes. Given the public nature of such bids and the need for townships to get the best return on money invested, the jobs are going cheap and attracting large groups of contractors to bid the work.

For example, yesterday, bid results were posted for small demolition project on behalf of a public school in Illinois. The 40,000 square foot building attracted 23 contractors, one from out of the state. The bid range from low to high covered a $275,000.00 spread. Excessive low bidding is not a healthy reflection of what prices a robust economy would normally command; disproportionate low bidding has become the norm. Exasperating the problem is the types of companies that are submitting proposals.

As we monitor the situation, public bids are attracting many companies who express little credibility as a demolition contractor. Everything from landscape companies to remodeling firms and local residents who may possess a piece or two of equipment are bidding demolition work. The diversity of those who tender proposals reflects that business owners are attempting to diversify and/or make use of available equipment/personnel in order to keep business going. The downside is that local entities who fail to scrutinize the capabilities of contractors are placing unqualified workers in dangerous situations.

Deep, sustainable relationships with private entities have allowed Champion Environmental Services, Inc. to continue a robust workload this summer.

But what of construction and other constituents related to real estate, how has the stimulus influenced their business?
The commercial side of real estate has witnessed fewer deals and higher vacancy rates. Mostly, deals are happening in the form of sale lease backs with few developers able to secure funding for new projects as the credit markets are still unyielding. As Chris Lydon, SVP, who leads Grubb's Chicago Industrial Group, tells GlobeSt.com, “"The capital markets are having such an impact on our industry in that developers are not building spec projects because of the capital markets and credit issues," Lydon says. It's so hard to get deals done these days, which makes spec development pretty much nonexistent at this point and unlikely for the entire year. It's all going to be build-to-suit projects that you're going to see from a construction standpoint."
Link to the referenced article: http://www.globest.com/news/1461_1461/chicago/180078-1.html

The greatest impact of stimulus appears to be in the areas of road work and general infrastructure improvements. Ageing bridge, sewer system, and roadway projects reflect important improvements while providing work to many. The only downside that we have observed is that given the specialized nature of the work, fewer companies are competing for more of the money; if a company looses out on one bid, there are literally hundreds of other opportunities.

The bottom line; stock market and commodity volatility continues, jobless claims ticked up, housing starts are down, and foreclosures continue.

North Riverside Mall Asbestos Abatement

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is in the process of abating a former Firestone Tire Center at the North Riverside Mall in North Riverside, Illinois. The project involves the removal of asbestos containing material (ACM) located in showroom area in the form of drywall; additional ACM drywall from hallways and offices will also be properly removed.

As this project is a Cook County initiative, Champion Environmental Services,Inc. shall utilize local union laborers with current Illinois accreditation, medical surveillance and training while providing an onsite safety supervisor with necessary training for competent person status as required by OSHA.

Update of Activities by Champion Environmental Services, Inc.

The slow update of information here is reflective of a brisk season that is stretching our allocated resources in both people and machinery.

We are attempting to ensure that our bid for Public Building Commission of Chicago is complete in meeting all the appropriate WBE/MBE/VBE/BEPD goals. The aggressive target participation on the Michael Reese demolition and asbestos removal project is to ensure that local entities benefit financially while creating a level playing field for diverse involvement on what will be a historic undertaking for the City of Chicago.

In other news, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is receiving local press coverage of our efforts on the University of Wisconsin La Crosse initiative.

Photo of demolition activities thanks to coverage by the La Crosse Tribune; the picture is attributed to Peter Thomson of the La Cross Tribune.

Here is a link to the article and photograph: http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/07/03/news/01destruction.txt#READ_COMMENT

Ottawa, Illinois Asbestos Job Finished

Champion Environmental Services, Inc., Project Manager Ralph Nordyke reports that the asbestos abatement of a shuttered bank in Ottawa, Illinois has been successfully closed out on time and without incident.

The project, taking little more than a week, included the removal of contaminated floor tile, mastic underlay, and transite. Champion Environmental Services, Inc., follows all applicable Illinois EPA rules for asbestos abatement delegated through the authority of the USEPA which enforces the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). NESHAP regulates asbestos during demolition, renovation, and disposal.

The ACM removal was performed in preparation for demolition; the cleared land will be used to build a new Ottawa health care facility.

Arcadia, Wisconsin

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will be mobilizing in Arcadia, Wisconsin to provide demolition, asbestos abatement, and site/soil remediation services for several buildings located on East Main and South Washington streets.

Additional work scope involves the salvage of antique brick, site clearing and restoration.

Michael Reese Hospital Demolition and Asbestos Abatement

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has been chosen as one of the qualifying contractors to bid on the Michael Reese Hospital demolition and asbestos abatement project that is being facilitated by the Public Building Commission of Chicago.

Michael Reese Hospital is comprised of 28 structures spanning over 1.6 million square feet with buildings dating back to 1907. This vast-complicated project will involve demolition and asbestos abatement of most of the buildings, associated parking structures and tunnels.

Given the scale of the project, the PBC was responsible for vetting over 26 companies through an intensive RFQ process. Due to the complexity reflected in the scope of work, the PBC split the project into three distinct bid packages; of the few qualified firms to provide proposals, Champion Environmental Services, Inc., was one of the companies found competent enough to bid all three packages. [Only two qualified contractors will be allowed to bid the entire project]

Champion Environmental Services, Inc., is proud to be an integral facet in Chicago’s quest for the 2016 Olympics. We will certainly keep everyone up to date as this historic Chicago project evolves.

Planning a Project for 2009?

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is poised to support your next strategic initiative in 2009. As an industry leader recognized for superior service, safety, unsurpassed experience, and client centered attentiveness, CESI is the reliable choice.

Services Offered:
Building Demolition
Asbestos/Lead Abatement
Mold Abatement
Industrial Dismantling
Emergency Response
Site/Soil Remediation
Structure Removal
Salvage
Concrete Crushing

Since 1992, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has completed over 5,500 assignments representing total revenues in excess of $575 million.

For more information, visit us on our website at http://www.champenv.com/ or contact Terrence O’Rourke at 847-844-1695.

Trowbridge Hall – UW La Crosse

In preparation for building demolition at the University of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has completed initial interior preparation at Trowbridge Hall.

We are now engaged in intensive asbestos abatement of Trowbridge Hall. The site supervisor during abatement is Ziggy Bryndal; as a seasoned manager, Ziggy will ensure that all work is performed in accordance with the Department of Natural Resources under N.E.S.H.A.P [National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants] standards set by the United States E.P.A. Here is a link to the WDNR website which outlines Wisconsin asbestos regulations: http://dnr.wi.gov/air/compenf/asbestos/asbes3b.htm

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - LA CROSSE CAMPUS DEMOLITION

On Monday, June 1, 2009, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. initiated the mobilization of labor and equipment for the demolition of three buildings at the University of La Crosse campus. Baird Hall, Trowbridge Hall, and Wilder Hall will be razed in preparation for the construction of new academic buildings.

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is preparing to facilitate the water and sewer disconnects while laborers are performing interior demolition and salvage operations.

Check back for updates and pictures of the project as we move forward.

Update On Champion Environmental Services, Inc.

Briefly, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has been contracted to provide demolition services for a multiunit residence in Madison, Wisconsin deemed uninhabitable due to a recent fire.

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has been pushing out a heavy amount of proposals while attempting to solidify proper scheduling for our summer school asbestos abatement work. Please check back soon for a more detailed update on projects in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Minnesota.

Progress At 515 East Touhy Des Plaines, Illinois

The demolition at 515 East Touhy in Des Plaines, Illinois is proceeding on schedule. The 137,400 square foot building situated on 6.14 acres is being demolished to make way for a new manufacturing facility. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is looking to achieve a recycling rate of 97% for the client.

CESI designed approach on this project was to maximize the use of exterior walls to further inhibit dust from disturbing nearby businesses and the high traffic count on Touhy Avenue. The photographs below demonstrate the importance of proper segregation of demolition materials to maximize recycling.