Demolition of RI school continues

Construction crews are makingprogress in the demolition of the Audubon Elementary School in Rock Island.

Despite freezing temperatures this week, Valley Construction of Rock Island has demolished the northwest corner of the building and a section facing to the south, a task that began Monday.

By Friday, much of the back of the school had been turned into piles of brick, mortar and rubble.

The front of the building facing 18th Avenue had not been touched by Friday afternoon. The tall chimney also appeared untouched.

Crews anticipate that the demolition will last between five and six weeks, said Holly Sparkman, spokeswoman for the Rock Island-Milan School District.

Sparkman said the district has fielded frequent calls this week from people wanting scrap materials and bricks from the buildings.

Crews are setting aside piles of bricks for the community; Sparkman did not know when those may be available.

Sparkman said earlier this week that there was a concern that the cold weather would make it difficult for crews to spray the building with water to cut down on dust.

Crews have been able to keep the dust at bay, however, which was helped earlier this week by snow flurries, she said.

The district plans to sell the land at 2601 18th Ave. once the building is torn down.

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Demolition of RI school continues