Demolition continues at former hospital

Community Mercy Health Partners resumed demolition at its East High Street campus location this week, beginning with the former School of Nursing.

Demolition crews have been working on the campus since February, but are now beginning visible demolition, according to CMHP spokesperson Dave Lamb.

Im sure this is a relief for the general public who was wondering, Lamb said. The community has asked where we were with the construction. Work has been continuing, its just been behind the scenes.

Crews have been slowed due to asbestos removal in the buildings, Lamb said.

You dont want to shortchange that, Lamb said.

Lamb said hes unsure when the hospital building will be torn down.

Demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Hospital representatives had previously estimated demolition would be completed in June. The demolition is expected to cost $3 million.

Community Hospital closed in November of 2011 on the same day the new downtown hospital, Springfield Regional Medical Center, opened.

The North Limestone Campus, also known as the former Mercy Medical Center, is expected to begin asbestos remediation this fall. Lamb said there is no timetable for when demolition could begin at the other hospital location.

It will be determined on the extent of the remediation of the asbestos, Lamb said. When we get in there, well have a better idea about the timeline.

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Demolition continues at former hospital