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The Empire Landmark will be coming down not with the help of dynamite, but with innovative demolition technology frequently employed in Europe, where the built form requires a more meticulous method of deconstruction. The 42-storey tower at 1400 Robson Street will be the tallest building to be demolished in Vancouver's history, and developer Asia Standard Americas has opted for a long dismantling process that will gradually cut the building floor by floor.
The Brokk system allows crews to control demolition remotely, facilitating a safer and less dusty operation. The process will see a concrete crusher starting work at the top of the tower and making its way down floor by floor, with the debris being sent through the elevator shaft for disposal. Traffic disruptions should be minimal according to the developer, who says "for the first three months, the only traffic impact will be trucks using the back lane."
Mailers are being sent by JMX Contracting to properties within a two-block radius of the tower. The company is also hosting an information session on Friday, March 9 from 4 PM to 6:30 PM at the Listel Hotel, 1300 Robson Street.
Demolition is anticipated to last about a year. The hotel will be replaced by two residential towers of 32 and 31 storeys, containing 237 market condominiums and 63 social housing units. The base of the development will also include office and retail space.
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