When Demolition is Necessary for Public Safety
Empire Services • July 5, 2022
Demolition is mainly used to tear down a structure or remove interior elements to create a new structure or space. It’s always gratifying to see a site that has been made ready for new construction as well as a remodeled interior to suit a company’s specific needs. For example, Empire Services demolished 14 structures to make way for a new warehouse. We also performed interior demolition in Albright College’s Gingrich Library by removing non-essential utilities, partitions, ceilings, and flooring exposing the main structure for future upgrades. However, demolition is also necessary to protect the public from falling debris.
When a structure has been damaged by fire, snow, water or age, there is a risk of structural elements (e.g., trusses and walls) collapsing. Falling debris can become a safety issue for the public for several reasons, including causing injury to pedestrians, disrupting traffic and damaging power lines. When this occurs, demolition is the solution.
We recently completed a demolition project in Lehigh County where public safety was threatened by a deteriorating building. Part of an exterior wall of an old factory collapsed, and the bricks landed on the sidewalk and in the street. The building once housed a manufacturing and distribution center of fabricated metal products. Empire was contacted by the property owner to demolish the top floor of the structure to prevent further incidents as well as remove the debris from the site. The first floor of the building (the structure was built into the hill with the top floor above street level) was to remain. During the demolition, barriers were put in the street to protect the public from any falling debris.
Public safety is a major reason for the demolition of a structure. The process must be done with precision and the right equipment to prevent further damage. At Empire Services, we have the experience and a fleet of equipment to safely demolish one or multi-story structures. Contact us today to learn more!
This summer, Empire Services stayed busy tackling culvert replacement projects across multiple counties. Each project presented its own unique challenges—from working around an active golf course to removing severely corroded piping and completing excavation in tight workspaces. Through it all, our crews brought their “A” game, combining experience, knowledge, and the right equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently.
When a building is scheduled for demolition, the first image that often comes to mind is an excavator tearing through concrete, brick, and steel. While heavy machinery does much of the work, demolition rarely relies on a single machine. Successful demolition combines equipment, experienced operators, careful planning, and specialized techniques to safely dismantle components and remove challenging materials. One technique is torch cutting for separating structural steel and other metal components that heavy equipment cannot always remove efficiently. For experienced demolition contractors like Empire Services, knowing when and how to use torch cutting helps crews complete complex demolition projects.
It’s hard to believe summer is winding down! Our demolition and excavation teams worked tirelessly across the region, keeping projects on schedule and ensuring client satisfaction. From complex industrial dismantling to precision culvert installation, we brought the talent, equipment, and dedication needed to deliver safe and successful results. Below are some of our summer project highlights.
On Saturday, August 15th, Empire Group employees and their families gathered at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA, for a day filled with good food, laughter, classic rides, and quality time together. With nearly 100 employees and family members in attendance, this year’s Empire Group Family Fun Day was a wonderful opportunity to step away from the daily routine and enjoy being together. A Picnic Lunch to Kick Off the Day Before heading into the park, everyone gathered for a delicious picnic lunch featuring plenty of summertime favorites. A big thank you goes to Russ and Kristi Mountjoy for preparing the meal, providing the food, and manning the grill. With full plates and plenty of good conversation, it was the perfect way to start the day. Then, it was time to head into the park for roller coasters, train rides, games, and attractions. Making Memories, One Ride at a Time Throughout the day, everyone enjoyed all the park had to offer. Some took on the thrills of the rides, while others enjoyed a more leisurely day exploring the park. Rick and Melissa Dom took a relaxing train ride with their Yorkie-Poo, Ahsoka Tano. Meanwhile, Ellyn Harkin's niece and nephew may have been too small to ride the famous Phoenix wooden coaster, but that didn't stop them from getting in on the fun. They posed for a memorable picture in one of the coaster's cars instead! This year’s location was especially fitting. Knoebels is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The park traces its roots to 1926, when Henry Knoebel opened a swimming pool, restaurant, and carousel at his farm near Elysburg. Over the past century, Knoebels has grown into a beloved Pennsylvania destination with more than 100 rides and attractions, while maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that has been part of its story from the beginning. Celebrating Empire Group's Family Fun Day at a Pennsylvania attraction with a century of family memories behind it was a fitting way to celebrate our own company family, with 70 years of memories and our 10 th anniversary at Knoebels. A Special Thank You We extend our heartfelt thanks to Todd & Karen O’Neill and Harry & Cathy O’Neill for making this special day possible. Their generosity and thoughtfulness allowed employees and their families to come together and enjoy one another’s company outside of the workplace. More Than a Day at the Park This event brought the entire Empire Group together, creating fun memories while enjoying a wonderful lunch, friendship, and a variety of classic rides. It’s just one of the many events the company hosts to celebrate employees and build connections. These moments of joy and community are what make Empire Group feel like a family. We can’t wait until next year’s Family Fun Day!
Demolition is about more than tearing something down. It is often the first step toward giving an existing property a new purpose. An outdated building may need to be removed for new construction, an aging structure may need to be carefully dismantled while preserving portions of the property, or an existing space may need to be stripped down before it can be renovated. In urban environments, such as Reading, PA, these projects can present unique challenges. Buildings being demolished are sometimes located close to homes, businesses, and other structures, which can make job site space limited, reroute pedestrians and vehicles, and necessitate protection of utilities and other infrastructure. Completing this type of demolition requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and an experienced workforce that understands how to work safely in limited spaces. Empire Services brings that experience and precision to challenging demolition projects throughout Reading and the tri-state area.
When people think about roads and transportation infrastructure, bridges and highways often come to mind. Yet some of the most important infrastructure is hidden beneath our feet. Storm sewer culverts carry water under roads, railroads, driveways, and embankments, preventing flooding, protecting roadways, and preserving the surrounding environment. Although they are rarely noticed, culverts play a vital role in keeping communities safe. When these underground structures begin to fail, the consequences can include flooding, roadway damage, sinkholes, traffic disruptions, and costly emergency repairs. At Empire Services, preserving infrastructure means staying ahead of these problems. The company's experienced crews recently completed a storm sewer culvert replacement project for Earl Township, restoring an aging drainage system that will continue protecting the roadway and surrounding properties for years to come.
Our demolition and excavation teams worked tirelessly this spring, keeping projects on schedule and ensuring client satisfaction. As summer begins, our team continues to tackle a variety of projects, from precise school upgrades to intricate industrial demolitions. Below are some of our recent project highlights.
As communities evolve over time, preserving their history creates opportunities for the future, which is what truly drives redevelopment. In Reading, Pennsylvania, that balance is taking shape within the Prince Historic District, where a nearly century-old industrial property is being transformed into modern senior apartments. Empire Services is proud to play a role in this exciting redevelopment project, helping prepare the site for its next chapter while honoring the area's rich heritage.
If you ever played the game Operation , you probably remember the pressure. One wrong move with the tweezers and suddenly the buzzer sounded, Cavity Sam’s nose lit up, and your turn was over. Winning the game required patience, coordination, and a steady hand. That same level of precision is happening right now on one of Empire Services’ industrial demolition projects. Empire Services has been contracted by Warfel Construction Company to remove an old roof and support structure at a processing plant to prepare the space for brand new roof construction. While roof demolition may sound straightforward, this project is anything but ordinary. Directly beneath the roof, located in the middle of the active processing plant, are vital active utility lines that can’t be disrupted, creating a high-stakes environment where every cut matters. Just like the game Operation , the Empire Services team must work carefully, methodically, and strategically to avoid “touching the sides."
