Project Overview

Originally completed in 1951, the Experimental Science Building at UT Austin was a historic structure—both for its size and its engineering significance. At nine stories tall, it was one of the largest research-dedicated buildings in the country at the time, and the first on campus to feature air conditioning.

Fast forward to 2005: following the discovery of significant natural gas line defects, the building was decommissioned and slated for demolition. But bringing down such a large, central structure on an active university campus presented serious challenges—implosion was off the table due to proximity to research labs, historic buildings, pedestrian routes, and utility lines.

Lindamood’s solution? Precision mechanical demolition, anchored by a 120-foot high-reach arm mounted to a John Deere 650, combined with extensive dust control, layered protection, and surgical separation. Over multiple phases, Lindamood dismantled the structure floor by floor, ensuring zero disruption to neighboring buildings or daily campus operations.

Key project features included:

• Tight campus footprint: Work occurred just feet from occupied academic buildings and pedestrian walkways.

• Zero structural impact to surrounding historic and operational buildings, including sensitive laboratory environments.

• Advanced dust mitigation via mist cannons and manual suppression, visible throughout demolition.

• Custom-fabricated containment: Full-height protective netting shielded adjacent structures and prevented material migration.

• 24/7 logistics coordination: Equipment staging, debris hauling, and site safety all maintained with surgical precision on an active university site.

Lindamood’s high-reach operators executed controlled deconstruction in the midst of UT Austin’s busiest district—preserving safety, minimizing noise and dust, and upholding the university’s environmental standards throughout the process. This project stands as a prime example of technical expertise meeting historical sensitivity.