Demolition of old Barnard Elementary begins today
TULSA (FOX 23) - Monday crews in Tulsa will begin tearing down the Tulsa School of Arts & Sciences building at 17th and Lewis.
The building, which was formerly Barnard Elementary, caught fire and burned down last month. Eight firefighters were hurt fighting the fire.
The building site is considered very hazardous because it's so unstable, and because of the presence of contaminants like asbestos. TPS owns the site, and says the cleanup could take up to 45 days to complete.
The demolition will be handled primarily by DT Specialized Services, Inc., which has handled other major demolition projects like the Camelot Hotel, and the Downtowner Hotel. An estimated 250 truckloads will be come in and out of the site before it's finished.
Crews are hoping to save part of the building, including the entrance arch, and a stone plaque above the arch with the school's name.
Security is posted at the site, and neighbors in the area with any questions can call the Tulsa Public Schools Campus Police Department at 918-749-9966.
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