Renewal in Evansville

June 06, 2022
By: Alexa Schlosser

A town in Indiana saw a big implosion on Nov. 21, 2021. At 18 stories, the building that used to serve as Old National Bank’s headquarters was the tallest in Evansville. NDA member Renascent was in charge of the job, chosen based on its expertise with related projects. The building was ordered for removal because structural deficiencies would not allow for redevelopment. Renascent means “rebirth and renewal,” which is exactly what is planned for the space the building sat on.

Work began in August 2021 and formally wrapped up in January 2022. Renascent utilized a high-reach excavator, and various other sizes of excavators with processing jaws for sorting debris and crushing concrete to complete the job. The strategy involved abating, gutting and eventually imploding the 420 Main Street tower on a site that was adjacent to remaining infrastructure (Main Street and S.W. Fifth Street), all within an aggressive time frame. The main challenge of the job was imploding a tower close to a remaining infrastructure in a town center. Coordinating to control traffic and safety on the day of implosion was also a challenge.  

Crew sizes varied depending on the task at hand. Universal waste removal work was performed by approximately six workers. Asbestos abatement required at least 12 workers. Once abatement work was completed, total gutting of the structure of consumable materials was performed by approximately six workers. Weakening of the structure was conducted in preparation for the implosion, which was performed by about eight workers. Implosion preparation work was performed to drill and install explosives by approximately six workers. Then, source protection was installed around structural components receiving explosives and a curtain was hung on the lower floors of the building by another eight workers in preparation for the implosion.

Twelve workers cleaned up after the implosion, and eight workers sorted and processed debris caused by the implosion. Six workers hauled off debris for disposal and metal for salvage. All in all, 91% of materials were able to be recycled (88% concrete to be repurposed and 3% metal salvage).

Renascent is pleased with the outcome of the job, saying on its LinkedIn page: “We look forward to what Evansville will build to serve the community there for the next 50 years.”

Watch a video of the implosion.