Brown School Abatement & Demolition Project
December 12, 2025December 12, 2025
Brown School Abatement & Demolition Project
Demolition work is temporarily on pause pending removal of additional asbestos material discovered in the central/connecting wing between the original schoolhouse and gym. (This material can be seen in the above photo as a black band on the old brick walls on both main structures just above the first floor.) It must be removed and separated before the remaining demolition can be completed, but poses no risk to the general public as this material (including adhesive) does not “migrate.”
Additional asbestos was discovered behind walls during the demolition process. Further demolition work by the contractor has been put on hold pending DEP review and approval of the means and methods for removal and disposal of the new material. This process should be completed in the next few days, however this will delay the overall demolition process (most likely into mid-January 2026 for purposes of completion). The contractor will re-mobilize to the construction site immediately following the required signoff from DEP and the City’s designated consultant. The asbestos material involved is not something that migrates so there is no threat to the general public. Signs on the surrounding fence are required by typical protocols and are intended to warn construction crews before entering the site. We are making every effort to get the demolition back on track and to complete the work as soon as possible to avoid more problematic winter conditions. On-street parking restrictions adjacent to the site on Lime Street and at the corner of Milk Street have been temporarily removed but will be reimposed once the demolition work commences again.
