Category: Diversion
Posted by ellie on Sep 18, 2003

The MacFarlane Park School (originally West Tampa Elementary) was built in 1926. Because of structural problems that could not be repaired, it was scheduled for demolition. The cost of renovation would be 5 times the cost of building a new building. The architects, Able-Garcia, and the School District, wished to preserve elements of the old building for use on the new school to be built on the same site.

The Recycle Task Force in partnership with Historic Building Products worked with the school board and the contractor to deconstruct the building rather than demolish it. The initial assessment showed a possible 239,000 lbs. of materials that could be salvaged, however that number was reduced to 42,000 lbs. actually salvaged due to a fire, which caused water damage. The Fire Marshall declared the site unfit after the fire.

Demolition sites typically need fencing around the property to discourage vandals and trespassers. Unfortunately gates did not get locked and security was not as tight as it should have been. As a result, many of the initially salvageable items were stolen before the deconstruction started.

The new school was built on the same site using façade elements taken from the old building. One of the unique features of this building was a decorative cast concrete cornice and entry door surrounds. These were removed, abated, restored and reinstalled on the new school as a historical reminder of the old school. Additional cornice pieces are being used as benches.

A marble plaque was removed during deconstruction and was reinstalled on the new school. The plaque read: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” quote by JFK. Behind the plaque there was a cancelled stamp and bras plate with the donating class information.

Costs/Benefits

25-40 hours were spent initially to set up the deconstruction. This would have been a good time to get the press involved. The feeling was that there was ‘too little too late’. Once the press did come out, things fell into place. The total time spent was 2-4 hours per week for 3 months. Once the project was set up, things went smoothly.

42,034 lbs of material was diverted from the landfill.

Lessons Learned

1. Have an initial kick-off meeting with all parties that will be involved. Get everyone behind the project.

2. Notify the press early and often – Give plenty of ‘kudos’ to those involved.

3. Be strict about the security of the site – fences, gates locked, site patrolled.