Demolition Challenges for Dockside Tower
The Dockside high-rise tower and its adjacent townhomes have been vacant since February 2025 following a city-mandated evacuation due to structural concerns. The property is currently in the process of being sold, likely to a buyer who intends to demolish the existing structures and develop a new residential or mixed-use project. Homeowners previously voted against a $151 million repair plan in August 2025, leading the Dockside Association to pursue a sale. The association is collaborating with commercial real estate agency JLL to collect bids from potential buyers, with a tentative submission deadline set for the end of September.
Demolishing the 18-story building presents several unique challenges. The tower contains asbestos, which requires removal, and its stability issues will prevent the use of vibrating tools or heavy machinery during demolition. The building, constructed in 1976 with townhomes added in the early 1980s, is likely to contain asbestos. State Department of Environmental Services regulations mandate an investigation for friable asbestos in buildings with four or more dwelling units slated for demolition, a category that includes Dockside with its 121 units and 21 townhomes. If asbestos is found, remediation must occur under these rules before demolition can proceed.
The structure’s proximity to the harbor’s waters and significant landmarks, including the International African American Museum and the S.C. Aquarium, necessitates protective measures during the demolition process. James Milburn, managing partner with Milburn Demolition in Chicago, suggests that shoring up the building from top to bottom and dismantling it floor-by-floor is the most probable demolition method.
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