Demolition of North Medford High School’s gymnasium began this week, marking a significant step forward in recovery efforts after February’s catastrophic roof collapse. Heavy machinery is carefully dismantling the northeast corner of the building, where an estimated 700,000 pounds of snow caused the structure to fail on February 11th.
“We got to go at the pace of the engineers and the insurers,” explained Ron Havniear, the Medford School District’s director of security, leadership and facilities. “We need to make sure we keep the other portion of the building still intact and keep everybody safe.”
The meticulous demolition process could take approximately one month as crews work to preserve evidence for forensic engineers investigating the collapse. Officials believe multiple factors may have contributed, including the extraordinary snow load, the 60-year-old structural beams, and possibly impacts from seismic retrofitting completed last summer.
Approximately two-thirds of the facility remains standing, including locker rooms, the weight room and upper gym. The district must determine whether these sections are salvageable or if a complete rebuild is necessary. Either way, insurance will cover most costs beyond the district’s $100,000 deductible.
Reconstruction could take up to a year and cost several million dollars. Meanwhile, the district is planning to move physical education activities outdoors as weather improves and is fundraising for a temporary structure to accommodate students next school year.
Summary Points:
- Demolition begins at North Medford High School gym one month after roof collapse
- Engineers investigating why approximately 700,000 pounds of snow caused the structural failure
- Careful demolition process expected to take about a month to complete
- Two-thirds of the building, including locker rooms and weight room, remains intact
- Insurance will cover costs beyond the district’s $100,000 deductible
- Complete reconstruction may take a year with district planning temporary alternatives