Demolition of Marubeni’s headquarters across Hakusan-dori from Palaceside (Otemachi 1-4-2, Chiyoda Ward) is nearly finished, and the white former HQ
has completely vanished above ground (photo above). Seen from the side (Uchibori-dori), it is “flat land” (photo at left).
Work began on September 30, 2016. Scaffolding went up around it in stages and only after the new year was the whole building covered. Interior work continued through that time; asbestos removal was surely hard. As you know, asbestos causes cancer if it enters the lungs. Old buildings used it in quantity, so rooms and zones are sealed, powerful dust extractors set, and workers wear protective suits so nothing is inhaled. While that went on inside, after the scaffold was up the upper half disappeared by March as it was cut from the top, and in June the above-ground part was almost gone; from Palaceside Building you can see the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and other neighbors of the Marubeni site＝see the four photos at the end.
Incidentally, in the middle of the top photo you can see the character “田.” What is it? In close-up it looks like the photo at right. A little hard to read, but you are looking at the first and second basements. The above-ground part is almost cleared; basement demolition continues.
In early June a briefing on the new HQ plan was held for neighbors. The new HQ will be two basements and 22 stories, building area about 3,700 square meters, total floor area about 80,600. Height 111.9 meters — about the same as Palace Hotel nearby. The old HQ was four basements and 16 stories, 66.3 meters, so nearly 50 meters taller. Palaceside Building’s roof is 38 meters, so we will be looked down on — but they will get a view of our rooftop garden.
The new HQ starts construction this November, completion scheduled for October 2020. Takebashi Station will connect directly to the first basement; floors 1–4 will have several restaurants, an art exhibition space and rental meeting rooms, with offices from the fifth floor up.
Marubeni and contractor Taisei Corporation say they will take the greatest care over noise, vibration, hazard prevention and traffic safety, and ask for understanding and cooperation. Inquiries: Taisei Corporation Tokyo Branch community environment team (☎5381-5394, weekdays 8:30–17:30).
