Demolition of Memorial Field Grandstands Gets Started

Part of the Revitalization of Iconic Mount Vernon Park; Mayor Thomas Calls Progress a ‘Giant Momentum Builder’

The demolition of the Memorial Field grandstands began this week, marking a major step forward in the restoration of the iconic Mount Vernon park.

Shortly after 10 a.m., Monday, May 14th, Mayor Richard Thomas teamed up with the crew of Capital Industries Corp to put a giant, claw-like device in position to start tearing down the steel girders in the middle of the grandstands.

“For a decade, Memorial Field has been a zombie,” said Mayor Thomas. “But, today, the flatlining is over and the pulse returns. Tearing down the grandstands clears the way for the rebirth of the new, better-than-before Memorial Field. Our iconic park, once the proud site of countless competitions, concerts and most important, lasting generational memories, is coming back to life.”

The demolition of the grandstands and removal of debris is expected to take about three weeks. Focus will then turn to the full restoration of Memorial Field, whose components include an eight-lane track, tennis courts, a field that will accommodate football, soccer, concerts and other activities, as well as new grandstands.

Mayor Thomas said the demolition of the grandstands was a critical step in the revitalization of Memorial Field because it was a “giant momentum builder.”

“The reason I have been so adamant about moving forward is that we cannot allow another year to pass without progress,” he said, noting that it has been seven years since the county and city announced work was set to begin on the Memorial Field restoration. “For too long, there has been too much talk and not enough action. It has been too easy to do nothing. Today, we are here to break through the inertia and resistance with action and persistence.”

In preparation for the demolition, crews began staging the heavy machinery necessary to take down the structure safely and separating loose debris around the grandstands to be recycled. Joined by employees of the city’s Department of Public Works, the crews were also engaged in preserving the Memorial Field entrance sign, which is etched in stone and will be repurposed for use in the new stadium.

Yonkers-based Capital Industries is one of the largest and most experienced demolition contractors in the county. It was selected from proposals from multiple companies and chosen based on its expertise and price of about $190,000, which was the lowest.

Mayor Thomas extended special thanks to the entire DPW team, as well as Capital Industries, for moving the project forward.

After the removal of the grandstands, the next step will be to hire a project manager, who can oversee the plans for putting all the pieces of the revitalization in place. Meetings will also continue with county officials, members of the City Council, representatives of Kela, the company that operates the tennis bubble, residents and other stakeholders to drive the project to completion.

“A lot of hard work remains, and we won’t stop until it is all done,” Mayor Thomas said. “With the grandstands down, the buildup can begin.”