Spirtas Wrecking’s Careful Demolition Preserves Campus History
August 20, 2024
Spirtas Wrecking Company’s selective structural demolition of Missouri State University’s Blunt Hall in Springfield, Missouri, was a Category 1 ($0-$1 million) finalist for the 2024 Excellence in Demolition awards. The project was a vital pre-construction phase in the addition and renovation of the university’s College of Natural and Applied Sciences — a cornerstone of Missouri State’s modernization efforts.
The Blunt Hall project required meticulous planning and execution. NDA member Spirtas Wrecking Company was tasked with carefully demolishing specific areas of the existing building while preserving the structure’s integrity for a new 77,000-square-foot laboratory and science building. The project’s goals included integrating the new addition with the historic campus and ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing university operations.
Demolition Details and Techniques
The demolition scope involved two distinct areas: a one-story auditorium foyer and a four-story east entry vestibule. Both required specialized techniques due to the unique structural elements and the building’s historic designation. To safely perform the work, Spirtas Wrecking Company employed a combination of hydraulic shear demolition and saw-cutting techniques, reinforced by sacrificial shoring to support the remaining structure during demolition.
For the auditorium foyer, Spirtas Wrecking Company first separated the demolition zone from the rest of the building by saw-cutting a 1-foot relief joint. Using a concrete processor attachment, the team efficiently broke down the structure while segregating concrete and rebar for recycling. The transition to the four-story vestibule involved similar precision, with concrete components being cut into manageable sections and safely lowered via telehandler.
Historic Sensitivity and Environmental Stewardship
Blunt Hall, originally constructed in 1971 in a brutalist architectural style, is a significant piece of Missouri State’s history. Its eligibility for historic status added layers of complexity, as Spirtas Wrecking Company had to navigate stringent permitting and preservation requirements without delaying the project. The project team also relocated campus sculptures and other site features to protect the university’s heritage during the demolition phase.
Sustainability was a critical focus for both the university and the demolition team. The project achieved a 94.12% landfill diversion rate by recycling all concrete and metal debris. On-site processing allowed for the reuse of crushed concrete, further reducing waste and supporting the university’s sustainability goals.
Collaborative Work Environment and Safety
Executing the demolition within a six-week schedule, while the rest of the building remained fully operational for teaching and research, required seamless coordination among all parties. Spirtas Wrecking Company worked closely with general contractor Whiting-Turner and other subcontractors, conducting twice-weekly “pull planning” sessions to synchronize efforts across the multi-employer site. Up to four subcontractors were on-site simultaneously, yet the demolition zones remained carefully controlled to ensure safety and efficiency.
The project’s success was bolstered by Spirtas Wrecking Company’s commitment to inclusive daily briefings, hands-on management involvement and robust safety practices. Weekly safety toolbox talks and monthly sitewide safety lunches kept communication open and prioritized worker well-being.
Community Impact and Workforce Development
The Blunt Hall project also created opportunities for community involvement and workforce development. Missouri State and Whiting-Turner implemented construction management internships, providing students with hands-on experience in a live construction environment. Spirtas Wrecking Company’s crew, comprising both regular employees and local union hall personnel, included a noteworthy 30% female staffing by hours worked. Younger staff members gained valuable skills through on-the-job training, learning from seasoned veterans in areas like scaffold installation and telehandler operation.