Xavier University- Alter Hall Demolition

Scope of Work:

Interior Demolition, Structural Demolition, Deconstruction, Dismantling, Historical Salvage, Recycling, Sawcutting, Excavation

Project Detail:

Alter Hall has been Xavier University’s primary classroom building for more than 50 years.  This project originally was solicited as two (2) separate demolition bids.  One as a Structural Package and the another as an Architectural Package. O’Rourke was successful in winning this project by recognizing the safety and cost benefits to Xavier University by combining these two (2) packages together as a Value Engineering Alternate.  O’Rourke provided a fully developed work plan at the time of bid that succinctly defined such an approach.

The Structural Package included the complete demolition of two end portions of the cast-in place Alter Hall from top to bottom. This work included a systematic floor by floor dismantling/deconstruction effort that amounted to roughly one third of the structure being completely removed.  In addition, a one (1) story auditorium was removed from the rear portion of the building.

The Architectural Package was a combination of selective brick / limestone façade removals and a comprehensive interior “gut-out” of all existing walls, ceilings, flooring, utilities and other contents. Additional work included specialty concrete sawcutting, roof removal and stairway removals to accommodate follow-up construction efforts. Important to note is that the project was situated in the heart of the Xavier University Campus. To make the work even more challenging, the directly adjacent Hailstone Hall was occupied throughout the entire renovation. The project was awarded and completed successfully due to the planning and continual attention of proactive means and methods that have made O’Rourke Wrecking Company a leader in our industry for over 50 years.