Demolition crews will use over 3,000 pounds of dynamite to bring down the old Dominion Energy headquarters in downtown Richmond this Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m.
The contractors overseeing the implosion say the tower has been stripped of any hazardous materials that could go airborne, and they have put in place measures to control dust. They’re still recommending everyone keep a safe distance and for those who live nearby to stay indoors.
“Keep your windows closed and doors closed. If you can do that an hour before the event and an hour after, that will certainly aid things, and that’s just being extra careful,” said Ken Tysinger, the corporate manager for G.H. Griffin Wrecking Company.
Those who will be downtown during the demolition of the tower are urged to wear protective eyewear and face masks and continue to abide by social distancing guidelines.
“The best place for people to be part of this event -- and I know it’s a big event, this building has been here in downtown Richmond for a long time -- is to stay home, listen to it on the radio, watch it on TV,” said Mark Loizeaux, the president of Controlled Demolition Incorporated.
The implosion will take place around 7 a.m., and Dominion will broadcast the implosion on their Facebook page.
The following streets have been closed ahead of Saturday:
- 7th Street between Canal and Cary Streets – closing May 18 and reopening June 4;
- 8th Street between Cary and Canal Streets – closing May 25 and reopening June 2;
- Canal Street between 9th and 7th Streets – closing at 6 p.m. on May 28 and reopening by end of day on June 1; and
- Cary Street between 5th and 8th Streets – closing at 6 p.m. on May 28 and reopening by the end of the day on June 1.
City authorities will also close down a larger 15 block area the morning of the implosion. This area is expected to be cleaned up and back open Saturday afternoon, with the exception of the street closures noted above.
