Midland Center for the Arts is a performing arts and cultural facility located in Midland, Michigan. As part of an extensive renovation, Quality Environmental Services (QES) was selected to perform asbestos abatement and selective demolition throughout portions of the existing facility. The approximately two-year project involved a diverse scope of environmental remediation and demolition within a complex existing structure, including asbestos abatement, removal of asbestos-containing fireproofing and piping, selective wall and ceiling demolition, boiler removal, elevated concrete cutting, concrete stairway removal, floor removal, elevator removal and shaft alteration, and other interior demolition necessary to prepare the facility for renovation.

The complexity of the existing facility created logistical and technical challenges that required careful planning and coordination. Certain areas of asbestos-containing fireproofing were located within small, confined, and difficult-to-access spaces, requiring specialized containment and removal approaches. Boiler removal, wall demolition, and concrete cutting required close coordination with existing structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, as well as other trades working throughout the facility. Debris handling presented an additional challenge due to the building’s configuration, particularly where demolition material had to be transported between multiple floors using existing stairways and hoisting equipment.

QES addressed these challenges through detailed pre-planning, experienced project management, and site-specific engineered solutions in conjunction with construction manager and project team. To improve the safety and efficiency of debris handling, QES designed and constructed a rail system that allowed demolition debris to be mechanically transported up and down the stairway, significantly reducing manual material handling. Difficult fireproofing locations were individually evaluated so containment, access, equipment, and removal methods could be tailored to the conditions of each space while keeping other trades safe. QES carefully coordinated boiler removal, concrete cutting, wall demolition, asbestos abatement, and debris removal to maintain safe work areas while supporting subsequent phases of construction. Continuous coordination between project management and field supervision allowed QES to adapt to changing site conditions and successfully execute the multi-phase scope while the owner maintained normal operations in all non-renovated spaces.

Contracted Under: Spence Brothers, Johnson & Wood, Clements Electric, Midland Center for the Arts