Independence Excavating (IX) was awarded the complete demolition, recycling and site restoration of the historic St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in early 2025.

Located near downtown Cleveland at the I-90/I-77 interchange, the highly visible project encompassed nearly an entire city block and originally included two nine story towers and approximately 120,000 square feet of additional structures.

With portions of the campus dating back more than 100 years—and numerous additions and renovations completed over time—existing conditions varied significantly. Careful investigation and planning were essential to protect active roadways, neighboring businesses and residences, and an adjoining structure that remained in place. IX worked closely with Liberty Development and the owner’s team to develop a safe, efficient and cost-effective demolition approach. Allowances were established to address unknown conditions as they emerged.

As demolition progressed, the scope expanded to include the seven-story West Building, located immediately adjacent to active local roadways. Through close coordination, IX and Liberty Development effectively managed allowance work, generating significant savings that the owner applied toward the additional demolition.

IX deployed a Komatsu PC1250 extended-boom demolition excavator, a high reach excavator, dust-suppression equipment supplied by Company Wrench and six additional support machines for material processing, recycling and loadout.

Following structural demolition, IX removed foundations, crushed concrete and reused the processed material as structural backfill. Locally sourced fill and topsoil were then placed to restore the site to grade and prepare it for future redevelopment.

Through careful planning, collaboration and responsible material reuse, IX safely completed another transformative project that supports the continued redevelopment of Cleveland.