Large-scale renovation projects in the construction industry demand innovative solutions that balance speed, safety, and precision. When the Atlanta Hawks announced a $192.5 million re-imagination of Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta in June 2017, project leaders knew they faced a formidable challenge: demolishing nearly 3,000 tons of concrete within a 12-week window before the next basketball season. The success of this undertaking depended heavily on the strategic use of remote controlled demolition machines, which proved essential to completing the NBA’s second-largest renovation on schedule. Understanding how these machines fit into the broader Key Facts About Construction Project Life Cycle Phases provides valuable context for any professional managing complex demolition and construction work.
The Scope and Challenges of the Philips Arena Renovation
Project Background and Scale
The Philips Arena renovation was a three-phase project designed to rebuild the arena interior from the roofline to the baseline. The Atlanta Hawks assembled a general contracting team composed of Turner Construction Company, AECOM Hunt, SG Contracting, and Bryson Constructors to oversee the full scope of work. The project aimed to deliver new amenities on every arena level, expansive open and connected spaces, upgraded video boards, improved sightlines, and the first-ever bar on an NBA playing floor. The total budget for this transformation was $192.5 million, making it the second-largest renovation in NBA history at that time.
Phase One: Demolition as the Critical Path
The first phase was primarily demolition focused and required the removal of a six-level wall of suites on the arena’s west side. This demolition involved several major challenges:
- Approximately 3,000 tons of concrete needed to be demolished and removed
- The entire demolition phase had to be completed in just 12 weeks
- All contractors had to begin work simultaneously with no slack time built into the schedule
- The arena had to be ready for both the upcoming NBA season and scheduled concerts
- Interior demolition work meant exhaust fumes and airborne dust were major safety considerations
Atlanta-based demolition contractor SSD Demolition and Environmental (SSD), a member of the National Demolition Association, bid on the project and was ultimately selected based on an innovative proposal that would define the entire demolition strategy.
Why Traditional Methods Were Not Viable
The traditional approach to a project of this nature would have involved wire-cutting chunks of concrete from the suite walls and craning them out to ground level. However, this method presented several problems. It would have required extensive use of the general contractor’s 350-ton crane, which was needed elsewhere on site for other critical tasks. The wire-cutting and crane method would have extended the demolition timeline well beyond the 12-week window. Additionally, working at height with suspended concrete loads introduced significant safety risks for workers on the ground.
These limitations forced the project team to look for a more efficient and safer alternative. The solution came in the form of remote controlled demolition machines manufactured by Brokk, a company SSD had first encountered during a difficult top-down demolition project in 2017.
Why Remote Controlled Demolition Machines Were the Right Choice
Machine Specifications and Capabilities
SSD purchased two Brokk 160 remote controlled demolition machines (designated B160) specifically for the Philips Arena project. These electric-powered machines offered several advantages that made them ideal for interior demolition work. The table below summarizes the key specifications that influenced the machine selection.
| Specification | Details | Project Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Electric motor | No exhaust fumes for interior work |
| Arm Design | Three-part articulated arm | Extended reach and precise positioning |
| Primary Attachment | Atlas Copco SB 202 hydraulic breaker | Efficient concrete demolition |
| Secondary Attachment | Steel-cutting attachment | Rebar cutting without handheld torches |
| Operation | Remote control (tether or radio) | Operator distance from falling debris |
| Mobility | Crane-transportable between levels | Moved by 350-ton arena crane |
Safety Advantages Over Handheld Tools
Remote controlled demolition machines dramatically improved worker safety compared to traditional handheld tools. Operators could position themselves at a safe distance from the demolition face, eliminating the risk of injury from flying concrete debris. The electric power source removed the danger of exhaust fume accumulation in the enclosed arena interior, a significant concern for a weeks-long indoor demolition operation. Workers also avoided the fall risks associated with being positioned near the edge of demolition zones while operating heavy equipment manually.
Gregory Gorman, SSD senior vice president, stated that the plan to use these specialized machines was what won the company the project. He noted that the equipment was remarkably powerful for its size and that the electric-powered machines eliminated exhaust fume risks during the interior demolition that constituted the bulk of the work.
Productivity Benefits
SSD President Michael Gorman reported that the Brokk machines improved overall productivity by as much as 50 percent compared to traditional methods. The steel-cutting attachment for rebar was a particularly notable productivity enhancer. SSD’s prior experience renting Brokk equipment had demonstrated the value of these machines, and the company decided to purchase rather than rent for the Philips Arena project. The Brokk salesman, John Haugabook, brought the steel-cutting attachment when delivering the machines, anticipating the need to cut through the rebar reinforcing much of the concrete. SSD tried the attachment, recognized the improvement, and bought it on the spot.
Demolition Execution: Phased Approach with Brokk Machines
Crew Structure and Schedule
Demolishing the concrete suite walls by the strict deadline required a carefully planned crew structure and schedule:
- A six-day-per-week work schedule was established from the start of phase one in June 2017
- A 42-person crew rotated through two 10-hour shifts each day
- Day shift operators focused on demolition work using the Brokk machines
- Night shift crews cleaned rubble from the level below the day’s demolition areas
- Two operators manned each machine: one using the remote control and one serving as a spotter
Top-Down Demolition Strategy
SSD positioned one Brokk 160 at the north end of the stadium and the other at the south end on the top level of the suite wall. Operators worked from these endpoints toward the middle of the suites, demolishing concrete, pillars, utilities, seating, handrails, floor and wall coverings, drywall, and other structural elements. The unique three-part arm design of the Brokk machines allowed operators to maintain extended reach capabilities while executing precise demolition work.
When the two machines met in the middle of a level, the general contractor’s 350-ton crane, positioned on the arena floor, lifted the B160s down to the next level to begin the process again. Each level took approximately one week to complete, with crews removing between 300 and 410 cubic yards of concrete per level. The Brokk machines were used for about four weeks to completely remove all suite walls.
Rubble Management and Recycling
The night shift crews employed a systematic approach to debris removal. Workers loaded rubble into hoppers by hand and with mini excavators and skid steers. A deflection field made of plywood and scaffolding on each level’s edge provided both fall protection and a containment system for rubble. Debris chutes and a service elevator were used to transport material to ground level for processing.
In total, SSD recycled 2,760 tons of concrete from nine arena levels. This recycling effort diverted thousands of tons of material from landfill disposal, demonstrating how careful demolition planning can support sustainability goals even on accelerated project timelines. Beyond the suite walls, SSD completed additional architectural and structural demolition work including removing concrete slabs and foundations, as well as modifying raker beams and stairs.
Key Outcomes and Lessons for Construction Professionals
Project Timeline Performance
SSD completed its portion of the Philips Arena demolition in 74 days, finishing three days ahead of schedule despite the aggressive 12-week deadline. The table below breaks down the key timeline milestones.
| Milestone | Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Suite wall demolition | 4 weeks | Complete removal using Brokk B160 machines |
| Architectural and structural demolition | Remaining 5 to 6 weeks | Slabs, foundations, raker beams, stairs removed |
| Total SSD work | 74 days | 3 days ahead of schedule |
| Phase one completion | Late October 2017 | Ready for Eagles concert and NBA season |
| Overall project completion | 2018-19 NBA season | Hawks 50th anniversary in Atlanta |
Strategic Equipment Investment
SSD’s decision to purchase rather than rent the Brokk machines was based on extensive prior experience. The company had first used a rented Brokk unit during a challenging top-down demolition in 2017 and continued to rent the equipment regularly. Management determined that the consistent need for remote controlled demolition machines justified the purchase, making the Philips Arena project the ideal deployment for the newly acquired fleet.
This decision aligns with principles covered in Key Facts About Construction Project Development From Scratch, which emphasizes the importance of matching equipment strategy to project requirements. The success of the Philips Arena demolition demonstrates that when project conditions demand specialized machinery, ownership can provide better returns than repeated rental, particularly when the equipment will be used across multiple project phases.
Planning and Scheduling Lessons
The Philips Arena renovation offers several planning lessons applicable to other large-scale construction projects. The use of parallel work streams where all contractors started simultaneously, rather than sequentially, compressed the overall schedule. Remote controlled demolition machines enabled the parallel approach by allowing demolition work to proceed alongside other trades without the hazards associated with traditional methods. The top-down demolition approach with machines working from opposite ends toward the center proved efficient for large, repetitive structural elements.
For construction professionals interested in improving their scheduling approaches, the principles in Key Differences Between Pert Gantt Charts in Project provide useful frameworks for managing compressed timelines. Additionally, understanding Key Facts About Construction Project Cost Estimating helps project teams accurately budget for specialized equipment needs when planning demolition-intensive phases.
Industry Implications
The successful use of remote controlled demolition machines at Philips Arena has implications for the broader construction and demolition industry. The project demonstrated that electric-powered, remote controlled equipment can deliver substantial productivity improvements in enclosed environments where exhaust fumes, noise, and space constraints limit the use of conventional machinery. The 50 percent productivity improvement reported by SSD suggests that investment in specialized demolition equipment can yield significant returns on projects with substantial demolition components.
The project also highlighted the value of manufacturer relationships in equipment selection. The Brokk salesman’s proactive delivery of the steel-cutting attachment, based on anticipating the project’s rebar cutting needs, directly contributed to productivity gains. This collaborative approach between contractor and supplier represents a model for how equipment vendors can add value beyond simply delivering machines.
For demolition contractors evaluating their equipment strategy, the Philips Arena case study confirms that remote controlled machines are not merely a safety enhancement but a genuine productivity tool. The combination of reduced labor requirements, faster cycle times, and improved material handling makes these machines a compelling option for any large-scale interior demolition project.