Local demolition firm tearing down Maritime Building later this year

A woman inched closer to a demolition site on Granville Street last week, glued to the unfolding image on her iPad screen of an excavator ripping through the rubble of what was once an old church.

Marinus Verhagen stands in front of a demolition site on Thursday as his company ripped through a former church on Granville Street. The company will be tackling the Maritime Building later this year. AMANDA JESS THE NEWS

Marinus Verhagen sat in a nearby vehicle as one of his employees took care of business, outlining the considerations that go into tearing a building down when its in close proximity to others.

It wasnt much of a concern on this occasion, though the company did put an excavator between the church and a neighbouring home to ensure debris wouldnt land in the wrong direction.

Hes seen the end of several buildings over his 40-year career in demolition, but the Maritime Building teardown will be his largest project, in Pictou County at least.

Working in the city of Halifax is tough, Verhagen said, reflecting on his more difficult assignments over the years while pinpointing the lack of space and influx of drivers and pedestrians as concerns.

He took down the 11-storey Citadel Inn in 2012, his biggest task.

The Maritime Building wont be a small feat for his company either.

He has already figured out how hell tackle the century-old building that has been a safety concern in the core of New Glasgows downtown for several years.

In August, Verhagen Demolition Ltd. will bring in a licensed company to assist in the removal of hazardous materials, asbestos and pigeon feces, a process expected to take two months.

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Local demolition firm tearing down Maritime Building later this year