Michigan shopping center OK’d for demo

A township board in southeastern Michigan has approved the demolition of a shopping center in Ypsilanti Township that is described as having been a “thriving” retail complex.

The planned demolition of the 145,000-square-foot Gault Village Shopping Center fits into a larger trend in the U.S. involving a steady parade of demolition projects tied to shopping malls and other retail locations.

According to MLive.com, officials from Ypsilanti Township approved the demolition of  Gault Village Shopping Center on March 21. A bid of $587,000 to dismantle the shopping center was unanimously approved.

MLive previously reported on the shopping center and indicated it has been completely vacant at least since September of last year.

An Ypsilanti Township Planning & Zoning Department document from November of last year indicated by that time the department had consulted with the Plymouth, Michigan-based SME environmental testing and engineering firm to “navigate the environmental processes required to meet state and federal environmental standards for due diligence prior to the demolition of a structure.”

That document includes information that six contractors had submitted bids for the project worthy of consideration, including Homrich, Bierlein Companies, Adamo Group, Blue Star Demolition, Vin-Con Inc. and 21st Century Salvage, all based in Michigan.

The SME report also recommends Ypsilanti Township authorize the completion of an asbestos and hazardous materials assessment in preparation of a bid that will include abatement and related technical specifications.