tour demolition construction

Demolition Project Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ensure a Successful Outcome

• Demolition Safety
• Hiring a Contractor

Updated December 8, 2023

A demolition project involves several stages from the initial planning phase to the final completion. Each stage is crucial for the overall success of the project and by following these stages and steps, a demolition project can be effectively planned, executed, and completed with a focus on safety, environmental responsibility, and overall success.

Demolition projects are complex undertakings that require careful planning to ensure safety, efficiency, and a successful outcome. Whether you're demolishing a small structure or undertaking a large-scale project, having a well-thought-out plan is essential.

In this guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step process to help you navigate the intricacies of demolition project planning, so that whether you're demolishing an entire building or a single wall, you'll be prepared.

Demolition Project by Stages:

Project planning, demolition plan development.

• Safety & Waste Management Planning
• Equipment & Method Selection

Communication Planning

• Waste Removal & Site Cleanup
• Final Inspections & Documentation

Project Closure

Find demolition services near you, step 1: define the project scope and objectives.

Before diving into the details and reaching out to contractors for quotes, we recommend going over your project's objectives, your budget, and the scope of your intended demolition project first. Identify the structures or areas you wish to be demolished, your preferred budget and timeline, and the overall goals of the project. Having a comprehensive understanding of what needs to be accomplished will serve as a foundation for the planning process.

Step 2: Collaborate with Professionals

Work with structural engineers and demolition contractors to ensure the plan you create not only aligns with your vision but also safety codes and best practices in the industry. Hometown makes it easy to find qualified demolition contractors in your area , request multiple free quotes with the click of a button, read verified customer reviews, and get answers to common demolition questions —all in one place.

Before hiring, we recommend comparing at least three contractors' quotes . This will make it much easier to be sure you're hiring the best company for your project .

Step 3: Conduct a Site Assessment

You and your contractor and/or architect should perform a thorough site assessment to identify any potential hazards, environmental considerations, and regulatory requirements. This includes assessing the presence of hazardous materials , utilities, and neighboring structures. Understanding the site conditions will enable you to develop the best strategy for ensuring you have a safe and efficient demolition.

Step 4: Develop a Demolition Plan

Work with your contractor to develop a detailed demolition plan that outlines the specific methods and techniques to be used. In their plan/estimate, they should include all pertinent details and project factors, like:

• Equipment selection
• Debris disposal
• Necessary permit information (type, costs, who will obtain it, etc.)
• Work schedule and project completion dates
• Payment schedules and accepted forms of payment
• Safety measures that will be taken

Read more:   How to Read and Make Sense of a Demolition Estimate

Step 5: Obtain Necessary Permits and Approvals

Check with your contractor and local authorities to determine the required permits and approvals needed for the demolition project. Be sure your contractor complies with building codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards. Obtaining the necessary permissions early in the planning process will prevent delays and complications during the execution phase, as well as headaches in the future.

Find demolition services near me

Safety and waste management planning, step 6: establish a safety plan.

Safety should be a top priority in any demolition project. Develop a comprehensive safety plan that includes protocols for personnel, equipment, and the surrounding environment. Conduct safety training for all personnel involved and ensure that everyone is equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Step 7: Plan for Waste Management

Develop a waste management plan to handle the debris generated during demolition . Identify recycling opportunities for materials such as concrete, metal, and wood. Proper waste disposal not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also helps manage project costs effectively. Consider recycling demolition debris like concrete, metal, and wood to minimize environmental impact.

Equipment and Method Selection

Step 8: select the right demolition methods and equipment.

Choose appropriate demolition methods and equipment based on the project requirements and site conditions. Common methods include mechanical demolition, implosion, and deconstruction . The selection of the right equipment, such as excavators, cranes, and wrecking balls, is crucial for the success of the project.

Step 9: Establish a Communication Plan

Effective communication is essential for the coordination of personnel, equipment, and stakeholders. Develop a communication plan that includes regular updates, progress reports, and contingency measures. Keep all relevant parties informed to maintain a smooth workflow throughout the project. 

Step 10: Monitor and Adjust

Execute the demolition plan while adhering to safety protocols and environmental regulations . Regularly monitor the progress of the demolition project and be prepared to make adjustments as needed. Address any unforeseen challenges promptly and ensure that the project remains on track. Flexibility and adaptability are key to overcoming unexpected obstacles.

Waste Removal and Site Cleanup

Step 11: Clean Up Site

After demolition is complete or at least has begun, the site is assessed, and debris is sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable materials throughout the project or when all the work is done. Recyclable items such as concrete, metal, and wood are often transported to specialized facilities for processing. Non-recyclable and hazardous materials are disposed of in accordance with local regulations, typically through transportation to approved landfills.

Various vehicles, including dumpsters and trucks, are employed for efficient transportation, and heavy equipment such as loaders and excavators may be used during site cleanup. Throughout the process, environmental compliance is paramount, with a focus on ensuring that the disposal methods align with safety standards and regulatory requirements. Proper documentation of the debris removal process, including receipts and records, is maintained for transparency and regulatory adherence. The end goal is to leave the site clear, safe, and ready for any future construction or development activities.

Read more:   Clean Up Your Construction Debris Fast with Local Disposal Services

Final Inspections and Documentation

Step 12: inspect site and gather documents.

During the final inspection phase of a demolition project, the site undergoes a comprehensive assessment to ensure that all aspects of the demolition process meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. Trained inspectors evaluate the thoroughness of the debris removal, the effectiveness of safety measures, and the overall condition of the site. They verify that all hazardous materials have been properly handled and disposed of, and that the site is free from potential safety hazards. The inspection aims to confirm that the project aligns with the approved demolition plan and adheres to permits and regulations.

Successful completion of the final inspection signifies that the demolition project has been executed in accordance with established guidelines, providing assurance that the site is cleared and safe for subsequent use or development. You should also be sure to compile any and all pertinent documentation, including inspection reports, permits, and other relevant records that you may need to reference in the future.

Step 13: Execute Closeout Procedures

Closeout procedures for a demolition project involve the final administrative tasks and documentation necessary to officially conclude the project. This phase encompasses the closure of permits, contracts, and any remaining contractual obligations. Project managers ensure that all relevant paperwork, including inspection reports, permits, and documentation related to debris removal and waste disposal, is in order and filed appropriately.

Administrative closure signifies the formal completion of the project and may involve the release of any remaining retainage, final payments to contractors, and the transfer of project-related documents to the appropriate stakeholders. The closeout phase ensures that the project's administrative aspects are wrapped up, providing a clear conclusion to the demolition endeavor.

In Conclusion

Demolition project planning is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and a commitment to safety. By following this step-by-step guide, you can lay the groundwork for a successful demolition project. From defining project objectives to implementing safety measures and waste management strategies, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and safe execution of the project. With careful planning and execution, your demolition project can achieve its goals while minimizing risks and environmental impact.

Find the Right Pro. Simply.

Find Experts for Your Project

How-to guides, getting started, demolition 101 begins, demolition cost, understanding quotes and prices, barn removal, how it works and how much it costs, concrete removal, see removal processes and pricing, house demolition, how it's done and how much it costs, interior demolition, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and more, mobile home removal, demolition, relocation, costs, etc., pool removal, learn about removal methods and pricing, tank removal, under and aboveground tank removal, chimney removal, discover removal processes and costs, popular articles, connect with hometown.

• Demolition Best Practices

Demolition projects can range from small, simple jobs to complicated undertakings that require sophisticated and detailed planning. Site conditions can vary significantly, and there is always a degree of imprecision to the wrecking of the building itself. For typical building demolition and site improvements the most common procedure is to use heavy mechanical equipment such as wrecking balls, excavation hoes, grapples, pulverizers, crushers, and hydraulic breakers and shears. Several factors need to be considered prior to and during demolition, including the scheduling of demolition activities, protecting the site (especially important with occupied structures), and dealing with hazardous materials.

Codes and Standards

With the demolition of structures, the owner, architect, engineer and demolition contractor need to be aware of several CFR titles and other regulations.

29 CFR 1926.850(a)

Title 29 – Labor Part 1926 – Safety and Health Regulations for Construction Subpart T – Demolition Section 1926.850 – Preparatory Operations

"Prior to permitting employees to start demolition operations, an engineering survey shall be made, by a competent person, of the structure to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, and possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure. Any adjacent structure where employees may be exposed shall also be similarly checked. The employer shall have in writing evidence that such a survey has been performed."

29 CFR 1926.1101(a)

Title 29 – Labor Part 1926 – Safety and Health Regulations for Construction Subpart Z – Toxic and Hazardous Substances Section 1926.1101 – Asbestos

"Demolition or salvage of structures where asbestos is present."

40 CFR 61 - Subpart M, Section 61.145

Title 40 – Protection of the Environment Part 61 – National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants Subpart M – National Emission Standards for Asbestos Section 61.145 – Standards for Demolition and Renovation

"The owner or operator of a demolition or renovation activity and prior to the commencement of the demolition or renovation, thoroughly inspect the affected facility or part of the facility where the demolition or renovation operation will occur for the presence of asbestos."

Title 40 – Protection of the Environment Part 82 – Protection of Stratospheric Ozone

Title 40 – Protection of the Environment Part 745 – Lead based paint poisoning prevention in certain residential structures

Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations.Provides measures for protecting life and property from fire during construction, alteration, and demolition of buildings.

ANSI/ASSE A10.6-2006

Safety Requirements for Demolition Operations

For larger-scale demolition projects such as Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas, the use of controlled explosives are the best choice. This method, however, will require months of extensive planning to prepare for demolition . This will require the services and expertise of a specialty explosives consultant. Building demolition can include items that may not be apparent at first such as any below-grade structures that would include various types of footings and foundations. Also underground utilities that provided services to the building will need to be considered during demolition.

Demolition Scheduling and Site Protection

Requirements for demolition permits vary by state and county codes, but Federal and EPA regulations always need to be considered. State and federal projects always require the hiring of an architect or engineer to produce documents, drawings, and specifications for building demolition.

Demolition is often loosely regulated in rural areas--where buildings are not densely packed--and the built structures themselves are often smaller with fewer recyclable materials. Demolition in these circumstances is usually uncomplicated, in that the structure can be knocked down and the debris can be removed all together and taken to a landfill.

Contractors who specialize in building demolition can be hired directly by building owners, and these contractors will develop the demolition schedule and manage the project. If the owner will be occupying a portion of the site or building during demolition, a schedule of demolition activities will be useful to avoid interference with any concurrent operations and to minimize any disruption of utilities and services. If utility interruptions are not acceptable, such as in a hospital complex, temporary utilities services will need to be furnished during utility disconnects.

The owner may have additional restrictions that the contractor will need to consider when scheduling activities. Some typical owner restrictions include the protection of exterior stairs , loading docks, and entries of adjacent buildings, as well as a limitation on hours during which demolition operations may take place. However, every additional restriction the contractor needs to manage will usually be reflected in higher demolition costs. In areas with greater population density, the demolition of structures is not necessarily more complicated. Some situations are complex and mandate a high level of sensitivity to how demolition is handled, for example, demolition that takes place on a hospital campus. In these instances, a careful, piece-by-piece dismantling of the building is usually necessary, with material sorting often taking place on site. For these projects, an engineer or architect will need to be consulted to produce specifications to which the demolition must conform. The architect or engineer will produce the necessary documents which clearly outline the requirements for protecting individuals, adjacent buildings, and any remaining site improvements and utilities during the demolition operations. This becomes particularly important if the owner is to continue occupying adjacent buildings and maintaining a safe means of egress is critical. Some of the conditions that need to be controlled in order to protect the safety of individuals and property within the vicinity include: the amount of dust created, the potential release of mold into the atmosphere, and the amount of vibration produced that might affect surrounding structures or the operation of nearby equipment. Local authorities having jurisdiction should be consulted to review rules and regulations prior to any demolition activities for specific requirements for the control of dust and other pollutants during demolition operations.

Structures below grade can consist of several items, including concrete footings and foundation walls. The extent of demolition of below-grade conditions may vary depending on specific project needs. Similar to the treatment of below-grade utilities, there are generally three different options for below-grade structures:

• Abandon below-grade construction/utilities and leave in place;
• Remove below-grade construction/utilities only inside the footprint of new construction and abandon it elsewhere; and finally,
• Remove below-grade construction/utilities entirely.

Hazardous Materials

With the demolition of structures and buildings, especially older structures, comes the need to deal with hazardous materials. Through a building survey conducted by a qualified professional, the architect or engineer will know the types, extent, and condition of hazardous materials present. The safe abatement of all expected and concealed hazardous materials will need to conform to various Federal regulations. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and lead.

The potential for the release of asbestos, which is the most common hazardous material found in buildings, is of particular concern. When originally used, asbestos was often sprayed or troweled on wall surfaces and also served to thermally insulate pipes and ducts or to fireproof steel members. It was also an ingredient in shingles, siding, floor tiles , caulking , and flooring adhesives. Title 40 CFR 61 – Subpart M, Section 61.145 states that any part of a building that is to be demolished or renovated must be thoroughly inspected for asbestos prior to the beginning of demolition activities. If asbestos is present, Title 29 CFR 1926.1101 provides specific requirements for controlling the exposure of asbestos.

The demolition contractor will use the services of a licensed abatement contractor (i.e., a contractor who specialize in the removal of hazardous materials) as is required when asbestos is involved. Since landfills are the collection point for construction demolition waste, landfill personnel are familiar with EPA regulations and act as a control point for that waste. Special landfills exist to receive asbestos as a controlled waste.

PCBs are heavy, oil-like liquids or solids, clear to yellow in color, and were originally used as an insulating liquid in electrical transformers, capacitors, fluorescent light ballasts, and as an ingredient in caulking. They were produced in the U.S. from 1929 to 1977, and were banned in the late 1970’s. Many studies have shown that exposure to very high levels of PCBs over a long period of time is linked to adverse health effects. The EPA provides guidelines for managing and abating PCBs in caulking .

When lead-based paints have been identified, the EPA only requires that demolition debris be treated as hazardous material if the overall demolition debris, including plaster , masonry , wood , and shingles contains more than 5 parts per million (ppm) of lead.

Homes built prior to 1978 may contain lead-based paints. The EPA has recently adopted more stringent requirements that are designed to address one of the major sources of lead pollution. This rule applies to work performed in homes and buildings occupied by children, including schools and day care centers built before lead-based paint was banned in 1978. Any contractor performing renovation or remodeling work will be required to have training and certification in lead-safe work practices by April 22, 2010, when the new regulation takes effect. In general, workers such as carpenters and painters would have to take steps to contain their work area with plastic sheeting and conduct a thorough cleanup of lead-based paint dust stirred up during construction activities. This rule however does not apply to homeowners performing their own renovations. However, the EPA does recommend that homeowners who plan to renovate, repair, or paint still practice lead-safe work habits .

Environmental Concerns

In a sense, demolition contractors were "green" before going green was mainstream, because there have long been economic incentives to recycle materials such as asphalt , wood, metal, brick , and concrete. As a result, the demolition contractor has a greater awareness of construction waste management and disposal. There is a greater interest in “deconstructing” a building to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. This method allows the contractor to recover, reuse, and recycle much of the demolition waste.

Today, if demolition of an existing structure is required before new construction can begin on a site, the recycling of demolition waste can count toward the LEED goals for the new building. One point can be earned if 50% of the construction, demolition, and land clearing waste is recycled (or salvaged); two points can be earned if that percentage is 75%.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is divided into 50 titles representing broad areas of subject matter. These are rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and other agencies of the Federal Government. The purpose of the CFR is to provide a complete and comprehensive set of references intended to provide Federal regulations covering many different subject matters.

Like this article? Sign up for our monthly newsletter and get the latest updates!

David Ingold

David Ingold is a graduate of The Ohio State University School of Architecture and a member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) with Construction Documents Technology (CDT) certification. With more than 18 years of experience, David brings a broad knowledge base and understanding of design and construction to a wide variety of project types. He is an accomplished senior project administrator with experience in developing all phases of architectural documents. David has performed key responsibilities as a project leader, specifications writer, and coordinator for projects of all types and complexities including low- and high-rise condominiums, sporting facilities, higher education and government research laboratories, manufacturing facilities, wastewater treatment plants, parking garages, and campus master plans. David’s greatest aspiration  is to provide construction administrative services to fully execute project designs.

Latest from David Ingold

• Mitigating Elevator Noise in Multifamily Residential Buildings
• Extruded Polystyrene (XPS): Improved Wall Performance
• Guardrails: Design Criteria, Building Codes, & Installation
• Metal Stud Wall System Anatomy

At Home Topics

• Everyday DIY with Jeff Wilson
• 60 Simple Seconds
• Jeff Wilson Everyday DIY Blog
• Rehabitat with Rachael Ranney
• Design & Remodeling
• Landscaping
• HVAC | Electrical | Plumbing
• Walls | Windows | Doors

AEC Pros Topics

• Featured Architecture
• Design News
• Solar Decathlon
• Construction Materials & Methods
• From the Job Site
• Engineering News
• Public Infrastructure
• Facilities Ops & Maintenance
• Urban Planning
• CSI Project Solutions

Knowledgebase

• Division 02 Existing Conditions
• Division 03 Concrete
• Division 04 Masonry
• Division 05 Metals
• Division 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites
• Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection
• Division 08 Openings
• Division 09 Finishes
• Division 10 Specialties
• Division 11 Equipment
• Division 12 Furnishings
• Division 13 Special Construction
• Division 14 Conveying Equipment
• Division 21 Fire Suppression
• Division 22 Plumbing
• Division 23 HVAC
• Division 26 Electrical
• Division 27 Communications
• Division 28 Electronics Safety and Security
• Division 31 Earthwork
• Division 32 Exterior Improvements
• Division 33 Utilities
• Find Us on Twitter
• Find Us on Facebook
• Find Us on YouTube
• Find Us on Pinterest
• Editorial Calendar
• Advertising
• Writers Guidelines
• Terms and Conditions

Join TheConstructor to ask questions, answer questions, write articles, and connect with other people. When you join you get additional benefits.

Confirm Password *

First Name *

Last Name *

Country Select a country… Åland Islands Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belau Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo (Brazzaville) Congo (Kinshasa) Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba CuraÇao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Isle of Man Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao S.A.R., China Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Korea Norway Oman Pakistan Palestinian Territory Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Qatar Republic of Ireland Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin (Dutch part) Saint Martin (French part) Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia/Sandwich Islands South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom (UK) United States (US) Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican Venezuela Vietnam Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Western Samoa Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

By registering, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . *

Log in to TheConstructor to ask questions, answer people’s questions, write articles & connect with other people. When you join you get additional benefits.

Join for free or log in to continue reading...

Username or email *

Forgot Password

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.

Sorry, you do not have permission to ask a question, You must log in to ask a question. Join now!

The Constructor

Demolition methods and process for building structures.

Do you need to remove the ads? Join now!

🕑 Reading time: 1 minute

Building Demolition Process

• Removal of hazardous materials
• Preparation of plan
• Safety measures

Surveying of Buildings for Demolition

• Building surveying
• Structural surveying

1. Building Surveying

• Types of construction material used
• Usage of building prior and present during demolition.
• The presence of wastewater, hazardous materials, matters arising from toxic chemicals, flammable or explosive and radioactive materials, etc.
• Drainage conditions and possible problems on water   pollution, flooding and erosion.
• Shared facilities with adjoining building, including common staircases, partition walls.
• Adjoining pedestrian and vehicular traffic conditions
• The sensitivity of neighborhood with respect to noise, dust, vibration and traffic impact.

2. Structural Surveying

• The method of construction
• The structural system and structural conditions of basements, underground tanks or underground vaults.
• The original structural system employed in the design.
• The condition of the building.

Removal of Hazardous Materials

Preparation of demolition plan for structures.

• The location of the building to be demolished.
• The distances from the building to be demolished to its adjacent buildings, streets, structures and significant street furniture.
• The structural support systems of the building.
• A plan showing the procedure for the demolition of the building; detailed sequence of demolishing structural members; and the method of demolition to be adopted.
• A plan showing all precautionary measures for the protection of the public including hoardings, covered walkways, catch platforms, catch fans, scaffolding, protective screens and safety nets.
• Method of handling demolished building debris.
• Time required for the complete demolition process etc.

Safety Measures during Demolition of Building Structures

Demolition methods for buildings and other structures.

• Non-explosive demolition
• Explosive demolition.

1. Non-Explosive Demolition Method

A) sledge hammer.

b) Excavators and Bulldozers

c) Wrecking Balls

d) High Reach Excavators

• Excavators with shear attachments - excavators with shear attachments.
• Hydraulic hammers - Hydraulic hammers and remove steel reinforcement.

Explosive Demolition Method for Building Structures

Implosion method of building demolition, a) falling like a tree, b) falling into its own footprint.

Fasi Ur Rahman

Related posts.

16 Types of Pipelines and their Construction Method

What is Substructure and Superstructure in Building Construction?

Flip through today’s papers

AMNY Newsletter

Tackle the city, with our help..

Manage your settings.

EXCLUSIVE | Go inside the reconstruction of Belmont Park as historic track reinvents itself as a racing mecca

Belmont Park saw Secretariat move “like a tremendous machine” around its massive oval more than five decades ago when “Big Red” won the 1973 Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown in record-setting glory before tens of thousands of fans who packed the massive, quarter-mile grandstand.

Fast forward to today, and different tremendous machines are now moving through Belmont Park — tearing that massive grandstand down piece by piece as part of the biggest thoroughbred racetrack construction project in the United States in more than 40 years. Even the oval upon which Secretariat and four other Triple Crown winners made their runs for glory is undergoing a huge transformation in the name of progress, and stability in a sport in great need of it.

New York state provided some $455 million toward the endeavor , which the New York Racing Association (NYRA) sees as a transformative moment to rebuild Belmont Park to meet 21st century standards while again making it a major destination beyond the Belmont Stakes. The new Belmont Park will also become the sole downstate base for NYRA’s racing operations, featuring amenities to allow for year-round racing — and spelling the eventual end of Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens.

That vision won’t be fulfilled, however, until the new Belmont Park is reopened on or about 2026. The centerpiece of that effort will be a smaller, yet state-of-the-art grandstand — but for the new facility to rise, the massive current grandstand built nearly 60 years ago at the height of horse racing’s popularity must come down.

‘Building it from the ground up’

Playing a central role in the effort is Glen Kozak, NYRA executive vice president of operations and capital projects, who took amNewYork Metro on an exclusive tour of the Belmont site along with Patrick McKenna, the racing organization’s vice president for communications. 

The Belmont rebuild is unprecedented in the American thoroughbred racing industry — something which Kozak says the entire NYRA team takes great pride in advancing. Not since Arlington Park in Illinois was rebuilt in 1984 following a fire has there been anything as ambitious as the Belmont Park rebuild. 

“It’s an incredible opportunity for me and my crew. We take a lot of pride in what’s going on here,” Kozak said. “We’re building it from the ground up. There’s nobody else in the industry that’s doing what we’re doing … between the grandstand, the surfaces, the work that’s taking place in the barn area, for the quality of life for the backstretch workers.”

On the backside near the famous paddock and its historic Japanese white pine, crews dug in to remove utility infrastructure. But the more dramatic effort took place on the front side, where giant, dinosaur-like machinery had only begun picking apart the grandstand and clubhouse tiers from which fans had witnessed five Triple Crown winners and four Breeders’ Cup World Championships since 1973.

A matter of courses

For a long-time horse racing fan who had been to Belmont Park more than a few times in their lives, the surreal picture was made all the more so by the simultaneous effort underway to rebuild Belmont Park’s racing surfaces.

During our visit, there were few reminders of the old courses, which were now mostly covered in graded dirt with the outlines of the new tracks to be installed, and mounds of dirt and recycled material.

But in the months to come, as the old Belmont grandstand fades into history, the new racing surfaces will take shape. The huge main track known as Big Sandy — a 1 ½ mile dirt oval that is the largest in American racing — will return surrounding two rebuilt turf courses of 1 ¼ miles and 1 ⅛ miles (slightly smaller than before).

Those turf courses will then surround a fourth and perhaps most important new racing feature at Belmont: a 1 mile synthetic course which will be lined with Tapeta — an amalgam of sand, wax, carpet fibers and other material which can withstand all weather, any time of year, and is designed to better absorb the shock of running for horses, adding to their safety.

Tapeta lines one of the two training tracks on the massive Belmont Park campus: a quarter-mile pony track that became the testing ground for the synthetic surface. It has proven popular among horsemen, jockeys and trainers, according to Kozak; some 300 horses galloped around the pony track during the morning workouts on April 12.

And within the racing surfaces is a particular point of pride for Kozak and NYRA — a revamped, park-like infield with community spaces with trees, a pond and green fields that will be open and accessible to the public year-round. That will be made possible by a network of tunnels built under the track to connect outside areas of the track to the interior. 

“It’s not only for New York; this changes the industry with what NYRA is doing with the work out here, and the community as well,” Kozak said. “We’re having Floral Park, Elmont, South Floral Park [regaining] community space that’s available and we’re bringing greenspace back to Belmont.” 

The infield space will also be used by NYRA to accommodate more fans during big racing days such as the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival — the lucrative, four-day celebration anchored by the Belmont Stakes, the third jewel of racing’s Triple Crown. The next two runnings of the Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course, but NYRA plans on returning the race to Belmont Park as early as June 2026 — even though the new grandstand likely won’t be ready to open until that September.

The synthetic oval will open for training later this year, with the other courses set to open thereafter. Meanwhile, demolition of the old Belmont grandstand will be complete within 4 to 6 months from the early April start date, and right after, work will begin on the new modern grandstand to come. 

What the future holds

When complete in 2026, the new 250,000 square foot grandstand will be a fraction of the size of its 1.25 million square foot predecessor, but have all the modern amenities to attract not only tens of thousands of fans to the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival but also other big racing events such as the Breeders’ Cup, which Belmont Park last hosted in 2005. 

Upon releasing the renderings of the new grandstand in March, NYRA Board of Directors Chair Marc Holliday expressed hope that the new Belmont Park takes a place “on the global stage among iconic venues” of thoroughbred racing around the world, such as Ascot in England, Longchamp in France, and The Curragh in Ireland.

More than that, the new Belmont Park, once opened, is expected to generate $155 million in annual economic output, and $10 million in new state and local tax revenue each year. Bringing the Breeders Cup back to Belmont Park could add another $100 million in economic activity in a given year, according to previous studies.

But the improvements at Belmont Park go beyond the new grandstand and racing surfaces. NYRA is also in the process of building three new dormitories for backstretch workers — laborers who help provide day-to-day care for the horses — by 2026. The outfit is also making other investments to boost the backstretch workers’ quality of life, from upgrading the recreational, medical and kitchen facilities to expanding wi-fi.

NYRA is also building new barns for the equines, including one recently opened for trainer Chad Brown. The new barns are equipped with measures to provide greater ventilation and safeguards to prevent horses in the stalls from suffering injury.

Along with building for the future, NYRA has also taken liberties to preserve much of Belmont Park’s past. The iconic Japanese white pine that has towered over the paddock for decades is being preserved and protected while the new Belmont Park rises around it; various artwork and other fixtures within the facility has also been recovered and put in storage for later use.

And the bronze statue of Secretariat, that tremendous machine of long ago who still thrills fans today, has been temporarily relocated from the Belmont Park to Saratoga. Once the new Belmont Park opens, the statue will be returned to its rightful place in the new paddock.

“ NYRA  is the steward of this historic New York State property, and our goal as an organization is to create an open and accessible space that balances history while moving Belmont Park into the future,” said David O’Rourke,  NYRA President and CEO, in a March announcement. “The transformation of Belmont is incredibly important to the future of racing downstate, and NYRA will deliver a facility that existing fans and the next generation will be proud to have in New York.”

About the Author

Things to do in nyc.

Post an Event

Sail Away by Treehouse Shakers Ailey Citigroup Theater

Summer on the Hudson: Locomotive Lawn Live! Locomotive Lawn in Riverside Park South

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello Kings Theatre

New Dorp Christian Summer Camp New Dorp Christian Academy

The Carousel For All Children Grand Opening 2024 Willowbrook Park

Bluey’s Big Play Kings Theatre

View All Events…

Jobs in New York

Add your job.

• BENSIMON SALON & DAYSPA FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST & MANICURIST F/T-P/T
• Home Court Real Estate Real Estate Salesperson
• The 13th Child Behavior Analyst, P.C. ABA Therapist

View all jobs…

Related Articles

More from around NYC

Police Beat | Burglaries, robberies and rape incidents spike in several Bronx precincts

Op-ed: Making the change: Illegal cannabis stores will now be closed!

South Brooklyn Health honors the ‘profound impact’ of its nurses during National Nurses Month

United Methodists repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy

Sponsor Now

« All Events

• This event has passed.

Construction and Demolition Debris Material Recovery Facility Tour at IRS Demo Solid Waste

March 29 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm pdt.

Photo Credit: Charlie Herrera

Destruction with care – construction and demolition debris material recovery facility tour at irs demo solid waste, additional information regarding the tour and check-in process will be emailed directly to registrants 24 hours before the event., tour organizer: richard ludt, director of environmental affairs – interior removal specialist (irs demo).

Join us this educational tour demonstrating where and how the interior finishes and furnishing that AEC industry specify would end up. We will explore alternative ways to divert building materials from landfill.

Lunch will be provided, thanks to the host, IRS and our event sponsor, HED.

Building Credits:

Interior Architect, Jon Van Gaasbeek, Creative Energy

Learning Objectives: AIA CEU 2 credits and LEED AP / GA CEU 2 credits

Tour the solid waste management facility to understand challenges for demolition contractor.

Discuss alternative ways to divert building materials from landfill, such as promoting circular economy and takeback programs.

Understand demolition process (demounting and disassembly) and recyclability of the end products.

Explore how architects can make differences though finish schedules and specifications.

Understand toxicity of the building materials and its effects on the demo contractors, waste facility and landfill.

Construction and Demolition Recycling in our Circular Economy

Tenant improvement demolition criteria- 2023.

We will reach out soon!

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Why Moscow demolished buildings before U.S. President Nixon's visit

The history of urban development in Moscow in the 20th century was always, in one way or another, a result of political decisions. One such example is the story of the redevelopment of a district in close proximity to the Kremlin, not far from the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. 

Residential area by the Kremlin

In the early 1930s, after the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour had been blown up by the Bolsheviks, the capital city’s administration also demolished several residential buildings on adjoining streets: Prechistenka, Ostozhenka, Znamenka and Volkhonka. Under the 1935 Master Plan for the Reconstruction of Moscow approved by Joseph Stalin, an Avenue of the Palace of the Soviets was to be laid out there. The wasteland in front of the splendid Pashkov House resulting from the demolitions was given the name Borovitsky Gate Square. A small adjacent district of two- and four-storey buildings miraculously survived then - you can see them in postwar photographs of the area.

Borovitsky Gate Square

These few houses were the last surviving residential buildings in the immediate vicinity of the Kremlin. The following circumstances eventually led to their demolition. 

Presidential route

On May 22, 1972, Richard Nixon, the 37th U.S. president, was due to arrive in Moscow on an official visit. His motorcade was to proceed from Vnukovo Airport outside Moscow and then, from Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge, to turn straight into the Kremlin. Nixon and his aides were to stay in apartments within the precincts of the Kremlin for the whole duration of their nine-day visit.

President Richard Nixon, center, walks with National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger, right, inside the Kremlin, May 29, 1972

It was the first time in many years that Moscow was preparing for a visit by an American leader, and the arms race of the early 1970s also entailed rivalry in civilian spheres, including urban planning and construction. The Moscow city authorities and Leonid Brezhnev, the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union [CPSU], personally issued orders to "upgrade" the streets along the proposed route of Richard Nixon's motorcade. The victims of these ad hoc improvements were several pre-revolutionary buildings and, in particular, mansions on Bolshaya Yakimanka Street and near the Tretyakov Gallery in the center of Moscow.

In the immediate vicinity of the Kremlin, a two-storey 18th-century building on Prechistensky Gate Square, as well as a residential area between Znamenka and Manezhnaya streets, fell into the claws of the demolition experts.

Prechistensky Gate Square before and after

And to ensure that the American guest had a panoramic view of Pashkov House when his motorcade exited from Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge, workers needed just a matter of days to demolish all the other remaining residential buildings near the Kremlin and lay out a garden square that became informally known as "Nixon Square".

Nixon Square

"Nixon Square" before and after

For 45 years the garden square remained the most undeveloped and functionless place in the historic center of Moscow. Under Mayor Yury Luzhkov, there were plans to build a depository and exhibition space for the Moscow Kremlin Museums, but that never materialized.

Interestingly, the next transformation of the bare tract of land also had a political dimension. In 2016, at the initiative of President Vladimir Putin, a monument to Saint Prince Vladimir the Great was erected in Borovitskaya Square.

View of the statue of Saint Prince Vladimir on Borovitskaya Square and the Moscow Kremlin, 2017

The controversy surrounding the monument by sculptor Salavat Shcherbakov provoked one of the most heated urban planning disputes of the 2010s.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Constructive thinking: Unusual Soviet solutions to architectural challenges
• 10 Soviet buildings inspired by Le Corbusier
• The story behind the failed Palace of the Soviets

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Big Spring leaders consider plans for new center amid Dora Roberts demolition

B IG SPRING, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- City leaders in Big Spring are considering recommendations from a committee of community members tasked with presenting ideas on how the City should proceed with the construction of a new community center.

On July 1, 2023, officers with the Big Spring Police Department and crews with the Big Spring Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to a fire at the Dora Roberts Community Center, located at 100 Whipkey Drive. At the scene, crews found the community center fully engulfed in flames; the building could not be saved.

Investigators determined the fire was a result of arson, and in February of this year, arrested two teens, ages 15 and 16, in connection with the fire. They were each charged with Arson and Criminal Mischief.

Although arrests were made, the community has been without its center for nearly a year. Now, as the demolition of the remaining portion of the building is set to begin, City leaders are working to plan for the center’s future.

An April 23, Drew Mouton, told members of the City Council that the committee spent months touring community centers in the surrounding areas to gather ideas. He said the biggest draw of the center’s location, on Whipkey Drive, is its view.

“No other community center has that beautiful lake view,” he said, while adding that incorporation more of that view in the new center’s construction could be beneficial, as more people from West Texas might be inclined to host events there, especially weddings.

To that end, Mouton and the other committee members presented several “high points” for consideration and said the overwhelming response from the community stressed the “need” for another center.

He then recommended that the Council consider building a larger center capable of hosting events for locals and others throughout the region. He said the new space should have a ballroom, large stage, a meeting room with seating for 150 people that could be divided in half to host two smaller groups at the same time, a lecture hall for educational programs or training sessions, a commercial kitchen, plenty of restrooms, state of the art audio visual equipment, a green room to host performers and brides as the get ready for big events, and ample parking.

While City leaders have not yet worked with an architect or contractor to design a new center, Mouton said these recommendations, if approved by the City, could easily be incorporated into future design plans.

Mourton did not present any information on what a new community center might cost, however, as Big Spring leaders are still in the early stages of planning and are still working with the insurance company and have not yet received all payments owed after the fire.

Still, the City is taking the necessary steps to plan for, and build, a new center what will meet the growing needs of Big Spring and the surrounding area. We will continue to provide updates on the planning process as they become available.

Demolition of the old Dora Roberts Community Center is planned to begin on May 1. Residents have been asked to stay away from the area until demolition is complete.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.