High above Edmonton’s bustling downtown core, the sounds of progress are quieter than you might expect. No wrecking balls. No chaotic dust clouds. Instead, there’s the steady rhythm of a skilled demolition team working methodically, piece by piece, to transform 30,000 square feet of prime office space.
Since August 7th, 2025, Downright Demolition has been hard at work on a selective interior commercial demolition project at Manulife Place, with completion set for August 30th, 2025. The work may sound straightforward, but delivering it in a busy, occupied tower requires careful planning, precision, and collaboration at the highest level.
Breaking It Down: The Scope of Work
This ongoing project covers two levels in a downtown high-rise office building:
- 31st Floor: Half-floor interior selective demolition
- 32nd Floor: Complete interior selective demolition
Our scope includes:
- Removal/demolition of interior walls and doors
- Removal of existing T-bar ceiling, including hangars
- Removal of existing gypsum ceiling
- Removal of all existing millwork
- Removal of all existing flooring
The goal is to create a clean, open space, ready for the next phase of construction without unnecessary mess, noise, or disruption.
The Challenges of Demolition in a High-Rise
When you’re more than 30 stories above ground, demolition isn’t just about removing materials, it’s about moving them safely, coordinating schedules, and minimizing the impact on the rest of the building.
Our Downright Demolition team is managing:
- Elevator scheduling to ensure daily operations for other tenants remain uninterrupted
- Strict safety protocols to protect both our crew and the public
- Noise and dust control to keep the building comfortable for those still working there
- Limited material staging space, requiring careful planning for storing tools and debris removal without blocking access for other building activities
- Night shift operations, which require enhanced lighting, adjusted staffing schedules, and precise coordination to maintain efficiency and safety during off-hours
Our Hand-Selective Demolition Approach
For this project, we’re using a hand-selective demolition method. This means materials are carefully removed by hand or with small, precise tools instead of heavy machinery.
Why?
- Control: Allows us to remove only targeted elements without disturbing nearby systems or structures.
- Safety: Reduces risks in tight, occupied environments.
- Cleanliness: Limits dust and debris spread, keeping the space safer for all building occupants.
- Precision: Perfect for high-rise projects where structural integrity and existing utilities must be preserved.
From removing ceiling grids one panel at a time to lifting flooring without damaging the subfloor, our crew’s attention to detail ensures the building is prepped exactly as needed for the next phase.
Progress So Far
As of mid-August, the 31st floor is nearly cleared, with ceilings and flooring fully removed and selective dismantling completed. The 32nd floor is well underway, with our crew focusing on targeted removal while preserving the rest of the space for future use.
A Collaboration Built on Synergy
This project is a synergy effort in partnership with the general contractors, where constant coordination ensures every detail runs according to plan. Through daily check-ins, streamlined site logistics, and aligned timelines, both teams are working seamlessly toward the same goal, delivering the project safely, efficiently, and on schedule for its August 30th completion.
Sustainability in Action
Even in demolition, waste reduction matters. Our team is:
- Separating recyclable materials like metal and cardboard
- Salvaging reusable components where possible
- Removing only what’s necessary to minimize waste
Selective demolition offers these sustainability benefits while also making the process more controlled and efficient.
Why It Matters for Downtown Edmonton
This isn’t just another office renovation, it’s part of a larger story of downtown Edmonton’s revitalization. As companies adapt to hybrid work models and new tenant needs, spaces like this are being redesigned for flexibility, comfort, and modern use.
By preparing this space quickly and efficiently, we’re helping create a functional new office that will bring more activity and life back to the city’s core.
Project Highlights
- Location: Downtown Edmonton
- Client: Manulife Place
- Scope: 30,000 sq. ft. interior strip-out
- Floors: 31st (partial demolition) and 32nd (full demolition)
- Duration: Aug 7 – Aug 30, 2025 (ongoing)
- Approach: Hand-selective demolition, removal of all ceilings and flooring, plus targeted dismantling
- Demolition: Downright Demolition
- Collaboration: General contractors in a synergy-driven partnership
- Focus: Safety, sustainability, minimal disruption
Our Commitment
At Downright Demolition, every project, whether it’s a downtown office or a community landmark, is handled with care, safety, and precision.
This Manulife Place project is on track for a smooth completion, and we’re proud to be playing a part in shaping the next phase of Edmonton’s downtown landscape.
Whether you need selective demolition, structural demolition, residential demolition, commercial demolition, industrial demolition, excavation, interior or exterior demolition services our team brings the same precision, safety standards, and purpose-driven approach to every project.
Ready to get started? Call (780) 906-3366 or contact us online for your free quote.
