Retired Cunha Buildings Gone, but Not to Waste

If you've been on or around the campus of in the past three months, chances are you've noticed a distinct change in the landscape. After a week-long process that saw two of the school’s older buildings come down, work has finished on a new parking structure for staff, as well as a two-story building that will replace the old classrooms.

facilities manager James Tjogas says the two older buildings, used exclusively to house classrooms, came down about two months ago under the supervision of contractors. Tjogas explained that the buildings, built in the 1950’s, were in need of renovation to meet new structural codes, and that after analysis, rebuilding completely proved to be the most logical move.

“Sometimes it actually costs less to build a whole new structure than to renovate an existing one,” he says, adding that replacing the two one-story buildings with a two-story unit also freed up more space to build a parking structure. “The two-story building will take up much less space.”

Tjogas says that though the new structure will add a more modern touch to the school, historic value will remain by maintaining existing buildings.

While the demolition of a structure is often associated with waste, Cunha’s old buildings will see new life, thanks to the efforts of local company , who subcontracted in the removal of the buildings.

A company representative who preferred not to be identified explained that workers saved all the concrete and asphalt from the two structures, recycling the material, and turning it into baserock, which can be used for a variety of purposes.

“It can be used for roadways, or paving sidewalks and driveways,” he said.

Using processes that reduce waste and cut costs, Andreini Bros. also recycles wood to turn into mulch and bark, as well as sand and rock, which can be used for landscaping.

Though the longstanding structures have made way for newer, sturdier ones, neighbors may soon be paving their driveways or filling their gardens with materials that were once a part of Half Moon Bay history.