Environmentally-Correct Demolition and Reconstruction

Boulder, Colorado's, old Crossroads Mall was reborn as Twenty Ninth Street. An environmental approach was taken to both the demolition and construction phases. Take lessons from their actions to use in your projects so you can reduce your impact on the planet and your neighborhood, making your project a true sustainable development.

During the demolition phase of the project in which more than 500,000 square feet of building was torn down, 82 percent of it was diverted from the landfill and reused by the new project and others in their projects. One way some of the building materials were removed from the site was through selling it. As much as possible was sold, helping defray the cost of the project. Artwork, fixtures and equipment were donated to various non-profit groups. Two thousand tons of steel were recycled. That's a lot of material not dumped in the landfill. What a savings for everyone involved!

One requirement of the new development was to be raised above the flood plain. Two hundred thousand cubic yards were needed to accomplish that. Half of that fill came from recycled concrete from the Crossroads Mall. The concrete was ground and used as back fill. The balance of the fill was trucked in from a nearby quarry. Parts of the old structure were left in place to be used as parking, and the land fill went around and over that to create new, higher ground for the new project.

Considerations in the construction of the new shopping center included transportation issues, fresh air concerns, safety, and commerce and lifestyle. Mass transit is encouraged for people coming to this new center, but seven and a half acres of parking allow fro more than 800 cars. And priority parking is available for those in fuel-efficient, eco-friendly cars. Community was the focus of the newly created space; shop and play in a comfortable neighborhood with ample fresh air and sunshine.

However, one consideration I think was overlooked, or ignored, was Community. Sustainable development and living incoroprate one's relationship with the community, something Crossroads had done but Twenty Ninth Street isn't -- at least in the same way. Crossroads had become the exercise haven for many people who wanted to walk or run, but didn't want to have to struggle with the weather or uneven surfaces found outdoors. That community ritual was demolished, along with the Mall, leaving a void many of Boulder's citizens. That, in my mind, is a huge demerit for the sustainable lessons to be learned here.

The needs of hospitality venues aren't too different from that of a shopping mall. You too can create your perfect space and keep a sustainable design and approach. From the sustainable architecture and design to the sustainable tourism you engender from your attitudes and approach, you can create a fabulous and comfortable property.

Take the above ideas, add concern for interior air quality, renewable energy, water and energy conservation, and sustainable FF&E, and you will have created a cost effective, comfortable location that will attract loyal guests.

The developers saved money and the planet with their approach to the demolition of Crossroads Mall and the construction of Twenty Ninth Street. Hospitality venues -- restaurants, hotels, spas, golf courses and ski areas, and even cruise lines -- would benefit from this kind of approach. And the planet would thrive better too. Take an EconomicallySound approach to your project and profit.