Goodbye, Thompson: Demolition Begins Today

After last week's completion of asbestos abatement within the building structure, it is now official:  is going to the ground.

A demolition crew is expected to begin dismantling the current Thompson building on Monday to give way to a new school to be delivered by fall 2013. The will be on site to provide dust control during demolition.

Town officials said vermin bait traps have been placed inside the buildling to control migration of pests. Demolition should take four to six weeks to be completed.

The Thompson rebuild project was at a cost of $20 million. Parents said the old school had no fire sprinkler or fire safety system, a seriously compromised roof and failing heating. Major buildling systems and windows also needed to be replaced and special education teaching spaces were inadequate, parents said.

In June, students, parents and staff rounded Thompson, sang songs and .

While the project is ongoing, children in the Thompson School district are attending  and  elementary schools. Thompson’s kitchen, which provides food for all of Arlington’s elementary schools, has been temporarily moved to .

Questions about the project should be directed to Brian DeFilippis, of PMA Consultants, at 617-756-6727.

Check out a and a of students' last day at Thompson School.