July 29, 2024
Guilford County acquired the former Erwin Montessori School late last year and now plans to demolish the long-abandoned property on East Bessemer Avenue, completing the work a tornado started years ago.
In 2018, the school, along with two others in the area, sustained severe tornado damage and has remained vacant ever since. After evaluating multiple options for the deteriorating facility, county officials have determined that demolition and site preparation for future development is the best course of action.
The county’s Facilities Department outlined a comprehensive plan that includes asbestos abatement, building demolition, rough grading, and site stabilization. Last month, the department reviewed eight contractor proposals, seven of which met the project criteria. Proposals were ranked based on factors like pricing, safety protocols, resource availability, contractor proximity, and minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) participation.
D.H. Griffin, a well-known Guilford County-based company, emerged as the top choice. With decades of demolition expertise at local and national levels, the company was recognized for its ability to efficiently manage asbestos remediation, mobilize quickly, and execute the demolition safely. The committee also appreciated D.H. Griffin’s local headquarters and commitment to achieving 43% MWBE participation for the project.
D.H. Griffin has proposed a demolition cost of $524,000. The Guilford County Board of Commissioners is expected to approve the contract, which includes contingency funds to cover unforeseen complications. The total allocation for the project, including the relocation of a power distribution line by Duke Energy, is $576,400. Duke Energy’s line relocation, requested as part of the site clearance, is expected to cost approximately $11,000.
The property was purchased from Guilford County Schools in October 2023 for $100,000, including the building and nine surrounding acres. At the time, commissioners had no concrete plans for the site but expressed interest in gathering public input to determine its best use. Suggestions from the community ranged from transforming the site into a community or workforce development center to a recreation facility, retail hub, or even a Black Farmer’s Market.
The building, deemed unsafe for occupancy by the Guilford County Board of Education years ago, was initially considered for potential uses like a homeless shelter or drug rehabilitation center, but those ideas were ultimately set aside. Once the demolition is complete, any remaining funds will be returned to the county, and the site will be ready for future development.
Original Article: https://www.rhinotimes.com/news/dh-griffin-to-knock-down-former-erwin-montessori-school-building-for-a-half-million/