The essentials On August 22, the demolition of the Athos tower, the tallest building in Gers, began. For two weeks, a mechanical shovel will eat away at the building from top to bottom. But why was the dynamite solution not chosen? Explanations.
Although often spectacular, the demolition technique using sticks of dynamite was not chosen for the Athos Tower at Grand Garros. However, several technical and financial reasons could have made it possible…
In terms of budget, although explosive demolition is generally more expensive, it would have been included in the project costs. Technically, and according to specialists met on site, there was enough space around the building to allow a safe implosion.
The constraints of dynamite
However, contrary to popular belief, demolition by implosion is not necessarily faster due to the lengthy preparations required. In addition, the logistical constraints are particularly onerous: on the day of the implosion, a perimeter of 300 to 400 meters around the building must be completely evacuated of all human and animal presence. This is a complex task to achieve in the largest priority district of the department’s capital. Finally, the strict administrative constraints concerning the transport and use of dynamite make the option less attractive.
No explosions but concrete nibbling. DDM – SEBASTIEN LAPEYRERE
Ultimately, a demolition using dynamite sticks would have brought more constraints than speed. We will therefore not see the image of elected officials from Gers pressing the detonator button… Images often for communicative purposes because the latter are often artificial.
The solution of deconstruction is therefore certainly less “spectacular” but more reasonable. The work is currently being carried out by the Nancy company Melchiorre. It had already intervened in the past on the deconstruction of towers in this district, notably that of d’Artagnan.
For the Athos Tower construction site, eight people are mobilized, including two temporary workers. The building should be gone by the end of the week, before starting the removal of rubble as well as the extraction of the building’s foundations.
What future for 36 rue des Canaris?
A few steps from the construction site of the Athos tower, the building located at 36 rue des Canaris houses many influential associations of the department. However, after seeing all the surrounding buildings get a makeover, it seems necessary that its turn comes, given the state of the building.
The building houses associations such as the Gers Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee (CDOS), the Education League and the Gers Rugby Committee. DDM – KC
Officially, the town hall took back possession of the building, which previously belonged to OPH 32, last spring. And then? Information about the future of these places is scarce. The employees of the offices at 36 rue des Canaris, the first concerned, have not received any additional information. Work is reportedly being considered. Rumor has it that the municipality could hand over management of the building to a social housing organization (Toit Familial de Gascogne?).
