Demolition of Richmond-owned building to begin in 1-2 weeks [Video]

The demolition of Richmond’s Public Safety Building, a valuable piece of city-owned downtown real estate, is scheduled to begin in one to two weeks, according to a spokesperson for Virginia Commonwealth University Health.

The removal of the building, long considered an eyesore, is the first step toward its redevelopment. VCU Health agreed to pay for demolition as part of its failed redevelopment plan. It hired Henrico County-based DPR Construction for $5 million, according to city records.

Progress has been slower than scheduled as workers dealt with contaminated water and asbestos. Last week, VCU Health applied for a permit to partially demolish the building, which the city issued.

It will take a week or two for on-site work to begin, the spokesperson for the health system said. It’s unclear how long demolition will last or why the permit lists a partial demolition. The spokesperson did not specifically address those matters.