Demolition of one of Toulouse’s largest buildings begins

This is a new stage in a major project which provides for the demolition of several historic buildings from the Reynerie district, built in the 70s by the architect Georges Candilis.

One month construction site

Monday 1^is July 2024, the Les Chalets group announced the launch of a new phase of demolition of the Gluck building, one of the largest buildings in Toulouse:

“A month-long project begins today for the mechanical deconstruction of a wing completely unoccupied building, in a secure perimeter”.

Dismantling the building

The dismantling will last until the end of July.

“The first two weeks will be devoted to mechanical deconstruction, consisting of chipping away at the building from top to bottom. The operations will be carried out using a large-arm mechanical shovel, equipped with concrete clamps and a protective apron to protect the surroundings from the rubble. A misting system will also eliminate suspended dust emissions. The teams responsible for the work will then proceed to remove the rubble, which will be recycled,” explains the Les Chalets group, which continues:

“On a technical level, the partial dismantling of the Gluck building is facilitated by its structure, testifies the Les Chalets group. The tripod wings are in fact articulated around double walls which provide an expansion joint function. Furthermore, since mid-June, a security perimeter has been set up around the work zone, with the installation of fences and the adaptation of the pedestrian path.”

Still occupied by two tenants

The building is still occupied by two tenants. “206 out of 208 tenants have already been rehoused by the Groupe des Chalets teams. 99% of the Gluck building is now empty. The two tenants still present in the building are not in the wing where demolition is starting. They are therefore not directly affected. And housing offers have been made to them,” specifies the Les Chalets group.

For several years, some tenants, attached to their building, have refused to leave their homes. Over the years, their number has decreased, but until the end, some would have preferred that a rehabilitation of the building be chosen. The project was not unanimous.

But, for several months, the die had been cast. Preparatory work had begun in February 2023.

The homes were gradually emptied of their furniture and household appliances before the eyes of the last perplexed residents.

A square in place of the building

Over the next few years, the Gluck building will make way for a square and new sports facilities.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to My News.