By JESS MANCINI
The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
VIENNA, W.Va. — Demolition crews on Monday removed a stack at the former Johns Manville plant where the city is planning to redevelop as Spencer’s Landing.
(Photo by Jess Mancini)
Jimmie Harper Construction of Parkersburg, contractor for the demolition, started dismantling the 120-foot high structure Monday morning and removed it in sections.
The entire structure weighs 78,000 pounds, according to Jimmie Harper of Harper Construction. The steel will be cut into pieces and recycled, he said.
The first section of the tower was removed at 11:30 a.m. The final section at about 4:30 p.m.
Demolition of the site started in May. Some of the removal involved asbestos.
Three structures remain, including the facility nearest to 28th Street where the city will use a brownfields grant it has received for the demolition, Mayor Randy Rapp said.
It shouldn’t take much longer to complete the project, he said. The two other structures on the 29th Street side will be demolished next, Rapp said.
Removal of the debris containing asbestos was recently completed.
The origins of the plant in Vienna date back to 1908 and the plant operated until 2006.
The city purchased the property in 2014 for $900,000. Spencer’s Landing is named after the founder of Vienna, Joseph Spencer, and the foundation of his home remains visible.
