Project Overview
Our team was contracted to demolish:
- 3,560 feet of underground tunnels
- A 20,000-square-foot maintenance building and power plant
- A 120-foot-tall smokestack
Once the structures were removed, we hauled in 20,000 cubic yards of fill to backfill the tunnel trenches and building foundations, restoring the site to grade.
Challenges & Solutions
This project came with unique challenges that required both technical expertise and strategic problem-solving:
Unmapped Utilities
Because the facility was built in the early 1900’s, accurate as-builts of existing utilities were unavailable. To avoid utility strikes and ensure crew safety, our team strategically potholed ahead of excavation, carefully exposing utilities before moving forward.
Demolishing a 120-Foot Smokestack
This was the tallest structure our company had ever taken down. Crews began with demolition hammers from a man lift to bring the smokestack down to a safe, workable height. From there, we cut into the backside and used a cable and excavator to bring it down safely and efficiently.
Tunnel Demolition Near Active Buildings
The underground tunnels ran throughout the facility, directly alongside, and connecting to, buildings that were to remain. Our operators worked with extreme care to ensure these structures were protected during demolition, maintaining the integrity of the surrounding campus.
Project Impact
The successful completion of this demolition project not only cleared the way for the site’s next chapter but also highlighted our ability to handle large-scale, technical demolition jobs with precision and safety at the forefront.
At Fehn Companies, we don’t just demolish structures, we solve problems, protect communities, and deliver results our clients can count on.
