As the demolition of Berry Hall passes the halfway point, Wayne State wanted to provide an update on the project.
The west end of the building has been taken down and crews are working on the east end of the building, which is expected to be completely torn down by June 4. Two-way traffic on 10th Street will be unaffected. The fenced areas will include a section of the parallel parking along 10th Street. Access to businesses and residences will not be affected. Some areas of 10th Street outside of the construction zone will be open for parallel parking.
Demolished concrete from the site is being examined to be crushed as a recycling effort. Rebar and other metals are separated, when possible, to be recycled. Some of the separation of concrete and metal is happening on site while other demolished loads are being taken off site to perform recycling of concrete and metal. Other recyclables, such as copper, are also being separated and recycled.
There is no asbestos remaining in Berry Hall. The college had Berry Hall surveyed for asbestos in the fall of 2024. After students moved out in December, the college had the building abated prior to the beginning of demolition. All of the asbestos was removed and disposed of properly by a licensed abatement contractor.
As part of the demolition scope of work, Hausmann is salvaging 500 bricks from Berry Hall. The college is working with the Wayne State Foundation regarding the use of these bricks, which could include selling them and/or using them for a future Berry Hall memorial project.
The college will make an announcement about the bricks once the details have been set.
