It’s unremarkable that the concept has been developed and adopted in multiple cities. Likely, the only remarkable aspect is my noticing it and saving the articles on the different places mentioned in stories.
Most of the demolition of old buildings that I’ve seen has been by bulldozer and grab claw. Of course, most of what I’ve seen torn down has been cheaply made strip malls and big box sores that have passed their 10-year-old life spans. But when you have real structures, especially old house, row home and factories, the opportunity for deconstruction increases. Deconstruction is different from salvage. Salvage uses what it can of debris while deconstruction take it apart with the idea of using most or all of it.
It seems like such a good multiple win idea. it provides jobs for the deconstruction, warehouse management, avoidance of landfills, avoidance of harvesting of new materials,. While it clearly takes time, and energy (although that’s debatable if you look at the life cycle analysis from initial harvesting of materials and their manufacture).
It’d be wonderful if it could be done on a grander scale with abandoned and dilapidated buildings. Of course, laws of ownership, vandalizing (which is an uncontrolled, illegal form of deconstruction) and developing the necessary skill sets and all factors limiting it.
But still, it is a great concept; sustainability and Cradle to Cradle at it’s best.
GreenFloss 
Posted by Heide on June 27, 2017 at 10:32 pm
I’ve seen a lot of creative deconstruction in my own city over the past decade and can give it an enthusiastic two thumbs up! Although some of the old stone warehouses near downtown have lost some of their character to redevelopment, it’s still better than razing them for some cheap new construction that won’t last 20 years. Great post!