When Severn Lower School in Arnold, Maryland, began preparing for a new facility, ISI Demolition was brought in to manage separation and selective demolition. While our scope covered everything from saw cutting trenches to shoring structural elements, the true centerpiece of the project wasn’t the heavy equipment or technical planning—it was a mural.
A Different Kind of Challenge
The mural, created by students, wasn’t just paint on a wall. It was a living piece of Severn’s history—something meant to carry forward into the new building. Demolition typically means removal, but in this case, it meant protection. The challenge was clear: find a way to safely detach and preserve the mural while the building around it came down.
Custom Rigging for a One-of-a-Kind Piece
To solve this, our team engineered a custom steel rig that supported and braced the mural throughout the demolition process. The design allowed the artwork to be removed intact and kept stable, ensuring it would survive both separation work and future handling. It was demolition with an added layer of care—equal parts precision and creativity.
A Lasting Legacy
The project wrapped in late July 2025, but the impact will carry on for years. Thanks to careful planning and creative problem solving, a piece of Severn’s history will move forward with its students, bridging the old school to the new.
At ISI Demolition, we know that sometimes the most important part of our job isn’t what we take down—it’s what we help protect.
Planning a complex demolition that requires precision and creative solutions? Contact ISI Demolition to see how our team can support your next project.