The demolition of the old Eaton’s department store building continues with the removal of the cornice and the eighth floor exterior walls of the main structure expected to be complete by the end of next week. Other work is proceeding on several fronts.
Electrical, water and sewer services to the walkway bridge that connected the annex of the Eaton’s building with Cityplace (formerly Eaton Place) are being severed. Piles will then be placed under the bridge on the north side of Graham to support the structure so that it can be physically disconnected from the annex. This activity will take place inside the hoarding along the Graham Mall and will not interfere with transit activity or access to Cityplace.
The interior of the annex will be completely gutted over the next forty-eight hours in preparation for demolition of the annex structure later in September.
The removal of sewer/water pipes and other conduit in the basement areaways around the exterior foundation walls is taking place in preparation for installation of the shoring that will prevent any damage to the streets and other infrastructure around the site.
The demolition of the top sections of the eighth floor walls and roof is visible on both the Hargrave and Donald sides of the building. Large demolition curtains are held in place against the exterior walls by cranes and large metal containers are sitting on the ground immediately under the demolition activity to prevent any stray materials from flying outside the fenced site.
Much of the demolition of the exterior walls is being done after the downtown rush hour when pedestrian and vehicle traffic is very light. The demolition contractor, McColman and Sons, prefers to do this work during the evening and on weekends as an extra safety precaution.
Demolition will continue for another four months. The entire site is expected to be clear and available for construction of the MTS Centre to begin by January 15, 2003.
[MTS Centre Construction Demolition Archive]
