Revitalizing a Historic Landmark in Newton, Massachusetts
At the intersection of historic preservation and modern redevelopment, Banner Environmental Services was proud to support Civico Development and Axiom Partners in a complex, non-traditional asbestos abatement project at 138 & 144 Hancock Street in Newton, MA—the site of the historic Walker Home for Missionary Children.
Originally constructed in 1913, these residential buildings are being transformed into 12 units of updated, safe housing. But before any new life could be brought to the structures, hazardous materials from decades past had to be carefully and compliantly removed—requiring a MassDEP-approved Non-Traditional Work Plan (NTWP), specialized containment, and expert oversight every step of the way.
Why a Non-Traditional Asbestos Work Plan Was Required
Unlike standard removal projects, this job included a wide range of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and asbestos-contaminated waste materials (ACWM) embedded in soil, structure, surfaces, and demolition debris. These conditions required specialized techniques that could not be performed under traditional containment protocols.
To proceed safely and legally, Banner Environmental worked under an NTWP reviewed and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP), adhering to the most stringent provisions of federal and state asbestos regulations.
A Multi-Faceted, Multi-Structure Asbestos Abatement Project
The two buildings presented unique challenges:
At 144 Hancock Street, the abatement included:
- 10,000 SF of asbestos-containing joint compound and plaster
- 1,000 SF of red floor leveler
- 20,000 SF of surface decontamination
- 40 yards of ACM demolition debris
- Additional abatement of carpet mastic, flooring tiles, pipe insulation, and textured ceiling coatings
At 138 Hancock Street, Banner removed:
- Pipe insulation debris and contaminated soil from the basement and crawl space
- Asbestos-containing cement board, black sink mastic, linoleum, and tar paper
- 500 LF of pipe insulation and 90 elbow fittings
Exterior abatement included 95 windows with ACM caulking and glazing to be removed in later phases.
Full Containment, HEPA Filtration, and Certified Oversight
Given the complexity of the project, full-scale negative pressure enclosures (NPEs) were installed on each floor, in the crawlspaces, and around waste trailers and dumpsters. Key safety measures included:
- HEPA-filtered exhaust systems running continuously
- Poly-lined containment zones, floor-to-ceiling
- Ground-level protection, perimeter air monitoring, and interior critical barriers
- Three-stage worker decontamination units with filtered wash systems
- Onsite daily oversight and air sampling by a Massachusetts-certified Asbestos Project Monitor (APM) from Axiom Partners
Each step of the sequence—from decontamination to window removal to dumpster cleanout—was performed with strict attention to regulatory compliance and fiber containment.
Historic Value Meets Modern Compliance
This project wasn’t just about removing asbestos—it was about protecting a landmark while preparing it for safe use in the 21st century. The Walker Home for Missionary Children is a recognized historic institution, and its redevelopment into modern housing units demanded the highest degree of environmental responsibility.
Through close coordination with Civico Development, Axiom Partners, and regulators at MassDEP, Banner executed a thorough cleanup without compromising the historic character of the site.
Why Non-Traditional Asbestos Abatement Matters
Many older structures—especially those undergoing adaptive reuse or historic preservation—can’t be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. Projects like Hancock Street require:
- Flexible containment methods
- Advanced engineering controls
- Regulatory agility
- Expert communication between teams
Banner Environmental Services brings decades of experience to these challenging jobs. We don’t just follow the rules—we help define the path forward in coordination with architects, developers, and environmental agencies.
Need Safe, Compliant Asbestos Removal for a Complex Site?
Whether you’re working on a historic building, a redevelopment site, or a non-traditional structure, Banner Environmental has the experience, licensing, and regulatory knowledge to execute it safely.
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Non-Traditional Asbestos Abatement Project Images in Newton
