Preparations for the major demolition of Northwest Quadrant Building A begin on Monday, Dec. 5.

The work to separate Building A from the rest of the complex and prepare to take it down has been underway for months. Mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems have been disconnected. Windows and non-structural materials have been removed from the building.

Next week, the large equipment needed to take down the building will arrive.

Building A is a section of the former Columbia Hospital that was in extremely poor condition when UWM purchased it. It wasn’t feasible to convert it to academic use. Maintaining and securing it in an unoccupied state has cost UWM hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

This is a pivotal step in the long-range plan that supports UWM’s mission and vision. Removal of this building will save the annual costs of maintenance and security and provide opportunities for future needs.

Demolition is expected to take about four months, and will require a temporary sidewalk and road closures.