The Tri-Creek School Corp. board of Lowell, Indiana believes it can save money by demolishing the former Lowell Middle School. Director of Operations Nathan Kleefisch believe the cost of razing the building will be less now than if the board waits until a later date.
“If we can get it done before the construction season begins, we probably can get a deal,” he asserted.
In response to Kleefisch’s proposal, the board retained Americo Engineering, of Valparaiso, to plan for the removal of asbestos. This toxic mineral is often found in old school buildings, and its removal must take place before demolition can legally take place.
Asbestos is known to be associated illnesses as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the protective lining of the body’s major organs and internal cavities. Should the asbestos not be removed, demolition would send millions of carcinogenic fibers into the air, putting workers and the surrounding community at risk of exposure. Inhaling the fibers now could mean that within 20 to 50 years, those in the area of the school could develop pleural mesothelioma, a cancer that is specific to the lining of the lungs.
However, Americo Engineering is expected to handle bidding and project oversight for asbestos removal, all of which should cost no more than $27,550. The cost of asbestos removal is not included in this sum and has yet to be determined. Americo’s bid of $67,950 to handle all specification, bidding and overnight needs for asbestos removal and demolition was ultimately rejected to save money. The project’s total cost is estimated between $527,110 and $1.2 million.