McClymonds said the project that began last year had “its ups and downs.” He mentioned the amount of asbestos that was found in the church, but praised city leaders for their cooperation. The project was expected to be complete in October 2013, McClymonds said.
When the Middletown project was finished, McClymonds said, “What a relief.” He said dismantling the church was difficult because of the random shapes.
“There wasn’t a right angle in the building,” he said. “It was very complex.”
The project was only possible because of the advancements in laser scanning, he said. He said the scans are accurate to within one-seventh of an inch that will allow the stones to be rebuilt in their same location. He said the “rapidly evolving software” didn’t exist five years ago.
Last summer, the project at the church was halted after there was a discrepancy about who was responsible for paying for the removal of asbestos that was found in the church basement. McClymonds said that originally he was told the cost to remove the asbestos was $20,000, and his company budgeted that expense. But after debris was removed and additional asbestos was discovered, that price rose to more than $50,000.
Doug Adkins, the city’s community revitalization director, told council the city would have to pay $13,500 with demolition money, and the Ohio Moving Forward Grant would match the $25,500 to come up with the needed $51,000.
Vickers Demolition knocked down the brick walls, filled the basement and turned the property into green space. Adkins said the city has no plans to use the property.
Pieces of the church were labeled with white stickers so when they were shipped to Texas, the structure could be built back to its original design. The sanctuary and bell tower will be reassembled as the centerpiece of a shopping square that David and Tara Camp are developing in Bee Cave, Texas. The Camps have a store called Revival that has the slogan: “Divinely inspired home design.” They sell new furniture, gifts and vintage items, such as old doors.
About the Author