Zoo, Building Value partner to deconstruct Avondale properties

A new Avondale streetscape will emerge following a "deconstruction" project by the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and Building Value.

Building Value is the Easter Seals Work Resource Center unit that offers up salvaged building materials for resale to the public. According to a press release, Building Value is teaming up with the zoo to deconstruct three 1,500-square-foot houses on Vine Street and Forest Avenue in Evendale. The project will disassemble the structures, owned by the zoo, over about 25 days, recycling and salvaging as much of the building material as possible. The partners are targeting a goal of reusing and recycling 85 percent of material from the three houses.

Another partner, Rumpke Consolidated Cos., will provide wood recycling services and disposal of any unusable lumber. And ACT Recycling will remove and recycle concrete. Building Value said it is employing a crew of 15 to complete the project. After the homes are removed, the properties will be left as green space in the community.

“The Avondale Community is supportive of this project on many fronts,” says Avondale Community Council President Patricia Milton in a press release. “The gateway project becomes more than just a pretty corner to welcome our visitors to Avondale. The deconstruction is a smart way to reuse the materials along with the jobs created. Then new green space benefits residents and builds upon collective projects moving the community to be a great place to live, work, worship and play.”