DECONSTRUCTION IN NEW ORLEANS
What is Deconstruction?
Deconstruction is the systematic dismantling of a structure with the intent of extracting a maximum level of reusable building
materials. Work is done mostly by hand, and salvageable materials are sold affordably on the open market for reuse.
Five Economic Benefits of Deconstruction:
 Job Creation – At least 4 jobs for every one in demolition
 Skills Development – Most jobs are entry level; preparing people for
the building trades.
 Boosts to the Local Economy – Affordable materials for rebuilding;
sales tax revenues for local government; a new market emerges
generating income for homeowners; sales support local businesses.
 Tax Benefits – Property owners are eligible for deductions for
materials donated to non-profit stores or organizations.
 Cost Savings -- Contractors/homeowners save on landfill fees.
Additional Benefits of
Deconstruction in New
Orleans Neighborhoods:
Deconstruction reduces waste sent to landfills by 30 – 60%, reduces the demand
for new materials, and supports the Green Building movement. It fosters a culture
of conservation and recycling and civic and community engagement, and reuses
historic materials, preserves architectural heritage, and connects New Orleanians
to their proud past.
If 500 homes were deconstructed in one year in New Orleans …
 At least 220 living wage jobs would be created: 10% salaried, and 90% hourly
jobs averaging $12 per hour.
 Approximately 75,000 cubic yards of debris would be saved from landfills.
That’s 2,500 truck loads!
 Sales of reusable materials could reach $5,000,000 on the private market
generating, $450,000 in local sales tax revenue.
 Property owners benefit from tax deductions for materials donated.
Deconstruction Around the Country:
Successful building salvage businesses exist in many American cities, generating millions of dollars is sales and tax
revenues, and creating a culture of re-using valuable building inputs. Portland, Oregon’s Rebuilding Center, for example,
deconstructs over 30 houses a year, employs 40 employees with full benefits, earns $2 million in sales of reusable
materials, and their retail store contributed to the revitalization of its now vibrant neighborhood.
Common Myths about Deconstruction:
 “It costs too much.” – Actually, it is often comparable in cost to demolition.
 “It takes too long.” – Deconstruction takes two weeks at most, about the same time it takes for building plan approval.
 “The flooding ruined everything.” – Actually, much of a flooded house is reusable: lumber, flooring, bath fixtures,
windows and doors are often salvageable.
A DECONSTRUCTION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
BACKGROUND: With thousands of New Orleans buildings facing demolition in the coming years, public interest groups
have expressed interest in finding alternatives to demolishing buildings and tossing all the debris into already over-burdened
landfills. Deconstruction—the careful hand-dismantling of buildings—presents a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and
economic development alternative to remove houses that allows for the materials to be saved and reused in renovations
and new construction.
CHALLENGE: While federal funds are currently available to pay for demolition, those same funds are not available for the
deconstruction alternative. An effort to explain the economic and social benefits is ongoing, but a policy change is needed
so that FEMA funds will be made available for deconstruction.
THE PROJECT: In order to promote this critical policy change, Mercy Corps is spearheading a project to demonstrate the
process and long term benefits of deconstruction. The project has several components:
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Deconstruct 15 houses. An initial 10 houses in several New Orleans neighborhoods would be deconstructed and
their materials processed in various reuse facilities. An additional 5 houses would be deconstructed in conjunction
with the establishment of a materials reuse facility.
Building Materials Reuse Facility—Mid-City Rebuild Center. A neighborhood-based retail facility in Mid-City will
be established in conjunction with Mid City Neighborhood Organization (MCNO). Materials from five of the
deconstructed buildings would be stored and ultimately sold at this facility. In addition, the center will also house a
business and technology center and a space for community meetings and do-it-yourself workshops.
Workforce Development. Small contractors will be trained on the deconstruction process to help develop skill sets
that can be used as more deconstruction takes place in the city.
Documentation. In conjunction with Penn State University, an effort would be made to document the
deconstruction process, including an analysis of the costs and benefits as well as visual documentation.
Public information/Advocacy. Efforts to expose community leaders, agency officials, and media to deconstruction
activity would be undertaken, as well as advocacy for federal policy change. Tours will be given throughout the
process to elected officials, policy makers and residents.
Rebuild/Restore. Some of the materials from deconstructed buildings will be used to restore historic buildings, and
to even build new homes.
SCHEDULE: The deconstructions began April 2007. They are scheduled to conclude by Sept. 2007. Contractor trainings
take place during the deconstruction timetable and tours can be scheduled throughout the deconstruction process.
PARTNERS: Mercy Corps, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Resource Center, The Hamer Center
(Penn State), The Green Project, Global Green, Sierra Club, Habitat ReStore, GRDemolition, Irvin Trucking and Demolition
and Various New Orleans neighborhoods
For more information: Rick Denhart rdenhart@gchr.mercycorps.org 504-525-5056 ext 202