A cluster of Community High students standing in the school parking lot, watching the demolition of the burnt-out house at 322 E. Kingsley – another step in the Zingerman’s Deli expansion project. When the backhoe pulls down a section with a crash, the students cheer. [photo] [photo]
Kingsley & Detroit
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Was there an open call for salvaging materials before the demolition? I would have liked to have some of those shingles and siding (if it wasn’t asbestos). Seems like they could have saved money and landfill space if they’d let some of us scavenge materials first.
Erysimum
I had nothing to do with this demolition, but I would never have an “open call for salvaging materials…”. It may seem like my inner attorney talking but demolition can be dangerous as it is. Fighting over parts of a building would only make it worse. I could also see someone trying to haul away something too heavy to carry. Many things could go wrong if you invite just anyone to come and tear at a structure.
On any given construction site everyone working there is supposed to have insurance so that the owner of the property cannot be sued if a worker is injured; the work is inherently dangerous. It is for this reason that contractors may not always be so happy to have visitors to a half-built building. Demolition projects are worse as there is a reason it is being demolished.
That said there are places that salvaged materials are sometimes sent (but you probably know that) like the Recycle Center although things like shingle and siding can be problematic; it takes a lot more effort and time to take them apart so that they can be reused. Contractors typically cannot justify paying people to dismantle a building in that manner even if some material can be salvaged. It is a catch 22, people like you may want to do it yourself but the contractor and / or owner have to be protected if you crush your finger or fall through the floor.
Zingerman’s is usually fairly careful. They may have had one of those contractors who specialize in recovering reusable materials. I have no information, however.