EDGEWATER — Wrecking crews are expected to be at the former Edgewater Medical Center campus this week to begin the month-long process of demolishing a four-story building at the property, according to an email from developers to Ald. Patrick O'Connor (40th).
On Friday O'Connor sent an update to residents from MCZ Development, the owner of the property who is redeveloping the former hospital into a park, apartments and parking, with an update on the long-awaited demolition's progress.
The first of several buildings to be torn down will be 1619 W. Edgewater Ave. — a four-story apartment building that used to house hospital staff.
After asbestos was removed from the building last week, developers said the structure passed its clean air test and is now expected to be prepped for demolition this week.
Its neighbor at 1621-25 W. Edgewater Ave. is also undergoing asbestos removal and will be torn down next, however developers said they will be asking the city's Department of Transportation for permission to block off part of the sidewalk to create a safe zone during the demolition.
Some trees along the sidewalk may also be trimmed to make room for demolition equipment.
"The height of the 1625 W. Edgewater building makes it more difficult to demolish and we want as much room as possible should something not go to plan," the message said.
The property is also being inspected by exterminators, a process that has been going on since October and will continue to be monitored even throughout the redevelopment of the residential buildings, developers said.
