July 01, 2024
The Haynes Tower at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College's Enka-Candler campus is finally coming down after years of discussion. The demolition of the vacant building began in April 2024, following approval by the Buncombe County Commission. This decision came after it was determined that the building, which has been largely unused since 2015 due to budget cuts, was in too much disrepair to be renovated.
In late June, significant progress had already been made, with the lower, wider section of the building demolished, and work on the tower itself was ongoing. The building is one of several named after Harvey Lee Haynes, a former president of A-B Tech who served from 1975 to 1990 and passed away in 2020.
The demolition contract was awarded to D.H. Griffin, who began work after their bid was approved in March. The entire project, including the demolition and subsequent regrading of the site, is estimated to take 180 days, with completion expected by September 2024.
Before demolition began, contractors discovered hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and PCBs, which are being safely removed and disposed of. The remaining materials from the building are being separated and recycled to reduce waste going to the landfill. Due to these safety precautions and recycling efforts, the demolition is proceeding at a slower pace than usual, with no explosives being used. Instead, taller equipment is being utilized to carefully dismantle the structure.
Despite a minor delay with the tower portion, the project remains on track. The neighboring Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast, located on the same campus, continues to operate without disruption from the demolition.
Once the demolition is complete, the only current plan for the site is a regrading project. Further developments for the area have not been announced.
Original article: https://www.yahoo.com/news/answer-man-haynes-tower-demolition-090947629.html