Inside Duke Medicine

Saying goodbye to the Bell Research Building

In early July, Duke will say goodbye to a landmark historical building. Piece by piece, the Bell Building, once home for 60 years to dedicated students, researchers, and employees, will come down. But don’t expect a giant, swinging wrecking ball. The building’s proximity to Duke University Hospital necessitates a careful demolition process.

The demolition contractor, D.H. Griffin, one of the companies that facilitated the excavation of the World Trade Center site, will take the lead at bringing the building down while salvaging as much reusable material as possible. “Several items from the building have been removed and reused elsewhere, include a cage washer, electrical switch gear, card readers, fire extinguishers, and more,” said Brendan Robinson, capital project manager of Facility Planning, Design, and Construction. “All the furniture in the building has either been relocated with the occupants or sent to Duke’s asset disposition warehouse for donation to local charities. We are trying to recycle 95 percent of the demolished materials.”

The Office of Environmental Safety (OESO) is actively working with the contractors to ensure the safety of the demolition workers, as well as the adjacent buildings.  “As in any demolition project, safety is of the utmost concern and every effort will be made to ensure the safety of personnel and property,” said Robinson. With that in mind, the entire site will be fenced off, with signage to direct pedestrian traffic away from the site. The empty building will first be disinfected. The whole process is being overseen by OESO to assure the safety of the workers, staff and visitors,” said Gary Tencer, assistant director of OESO. The building will be dismantled from within with walls, floors, and other materials removed first.

Once that process is complete the actual demolition of the building will begin in late June to early July with about a two-month duration.The contractors will use dust control measures, including misting water and pre-filtration, to protect the surrounding buildings and equipment. The Bell Building cornerstone, plaques and entranceway will be preserved.

“While Duke is losing a building that’s played a significant role in its history, we’re excited to embark on this step toward progress,” said Robinson.

View a list of the Bell Building’s former occupants’ new locations.