A late-March snowstorm and a stretch of cold temperatures have postponed the demolition of a five-story concrete powerhouse on the former Performance Paper site in Kalamazoo, MI.

Deputy City Manager Jerri Barnett-Moore said Tuesday that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and demolition contractor Homrich Inc., of Carleton, inked a contract for the $1.1 million project on March 20.

However, Homrich was granted an extension for beginning the work because of a subsequent cold-weather snap and frost rules.

Barnett-Moore said no firm start date has been set, although city officials were told the work could begin the first week in May.

Once it begins the demolition, Homrich has 90 days to complete work at the site, which is at Alcott and Reed streets, according to the contract.

City officials announced in March the DEQ had approved an additional $450,000 to fund the remaining $1.1 million demolition. The work will salvage appropriate materials before leveling the powerhouse. Asbestos contained in the building will be abated, and all materials, except clean concrete, will be trucked from the site.

Razing began in 2004-05, when three paper-mill buildings and a 170-foot smokestack were leveled. But the powerhouse structure remained after it was determined the $2.6 million budget would not be enough to complete the work.

Officials said crews had to abate more asbestos and handle more debris than originally anticipated.

Although this summer's planned demolition is considered a major step in redeveloping the former Kalamazoo riverfront industrial sector, the restoration will not be complete. Foundations, underground infrastructure and clean-concrete rubble will remain at the site. An additional $3 million is needed to restore the Portage Creek to its natural design. It currently flows through a concrete channel on the site.

The 27-acre industrial complex was abandoned by a bankrupt owner in 1997.

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