Ellis Hall demolished for more green space
Demolition began Tuesday, Aug. 26, on a Garden City building that has stood vacant for more than two decades.
Ellis Hall, built in 1969 to provide additional classrooms, a new library and a science lab for St. Paul’s School students, was carefully deconstructed after extensive asbestos and mold removal was completed.
Earlier this year, the Garden City Village Board of Trustees unanimously voted to demolish the structure, the site of break-ins and vandalism in recent years.
Pinnacle Environmental Corp. of Carlstadt, N.J., performed all the abatement work, in compliance with state regulations, prior to performing the demolition work. Ellis Hall’s cornerstone was successfully saved, according to Village Engineer Chris Markin, and is in the possession of the Parks Department at this time.
Airtek Environmental Corp. of Long Island City is on-site to provide project oversight and management services throughout the abatement and deconstruction of Ellis Hall.
Department of Public Works Director Robert J. Mangan and Village Administrator Ralph V. Suozzi were on site Tuesday. “We were on site to view the progress and speak with one of the workers about the anticipated schedule and pace of the remaining work,” Suozzi said. Trustee Dennis Donnelly and a member of the Village’s Engineering Department were also on hand to review the progress.
After the discovery of additional asbestos-containing materials eight feet above grade between the brick veneer and substrate around the entire structure, the Garden City Board of Trustees voted in July to increase the project authorization, financed through a bond issue.
Village officials expect the entire project to come in at or under budget. A $300,000 Nassau County environmental grant will help offset the total cost.
Once the building’s basement is cut below grade, the area will be seeded and grassed over to provide additional open space to the entire St. Paul’s campus.
