Bridgeway demolition begins

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Big changes are underway for a Lafayette neighborhood. A foreclosed apartment complex that the city considered a problem area is being torn down.

Mayor Tony Roswarski said the city stepped in to purchase the Bridgeway apartment complex in hopes of turning this neighborhood around. A big step in getting that done started Thursday.

Excavators armed with demolition buckets made quick work of one of the buildings at the former Bridgeway apartment complex. People were thrilled to hear the glass breaking and boards snapping.

Jerri Parks has lived in the Glen Acres Neighborhood for 29 years. Parks is a member of the leadership team of the newly organized Glen Acres Neighborhood Association.

"It's amazing how quickly its come down," Parks said.

People who have lived near the former subsidized housing site have been waiting for this day. Tristan Kirby moved into the neighborhood three years ago.

"Since March we were told the demolition was coming," said Tristan Kirby. "The demolition kept getting pushed off. Now it is really happening. I had to see it for myself."

"We are thrilled to see progress," said Parks. "We just wanted to see it come down. It has been the entrance to our neighborhood for far too long."

Residents aren't the only ones pleased. City officials wore green to mark the beginning of the definition and highlight the environmentally sound practices they said are being employed in the demolition and construction.

Some of the measures the city is proud of include

• Some cabinets and appliances from the old complex will be re-used by Habitat for Humanity
• About 150,000 square feet of concrete will be crushed and re-used as backfill during construction
• About 20,000 square feet of asphalt will be recycled
• Some metal, wood, and plastics will also be re-used in the new construction
• The new rental units will be Energy Star-certified, and use efficient heating and air conditioning, as well as Energy Star-certified appliances.

Residents hope the work is a big step in bringing back pride to their neighborhood.

"I like to walk my dogs. I had a specific route because I didn't feel safe in other areas," said Kirby. "But, now I feel safer and with the association everyone is getting to know their neighbors."

The 19-acre site is being cleared for Chatham Square. The project includes 92 apartment units and several single family homes.

Developer David Brint of Brinshore Development LLC is hoping what's planned will compliment the neighborhood.

"There will be a great deal of open space," said Brint. "There will be community garden, there will be a community center, where people can meet, interact and have a computer center."

The demolition crew is not sure how long it will take to clear the site. But, Brint said construction should start construction next year. He said the first phase of construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2011 and the second phase should be complete by the end of 2012.