New Deconstruction Initiative Launches at Land Bank Creeks Property
NANTUCKET, MA — Remain announced today a new partnership with the Nantucket Land Bank to advance a deconstruction initiative at 19 East Creek Road, creating new opportunities for material reuse and workforce training across the island’s building sector. The project was formally supported at the Land Bank Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 22. Work at 19 East Creek Road is estimated to begin late summer.
In collaboration with Boston Building Resources and the Nantucket Community School, the initiative will provide hands-on education for island builders, teaching how to evaluate existing materials for reuse and dismantle structures carefully to preserve their value. This effort supports a shift toward more sustainable waste management practices, a stronger circular economy and a meaningful reduction in the embodied carbon footprint of the island’s built environment.
“This collaboration with the Land Bank uses deconstruction as a hands-on tool to build stronger sustainability habits and advance a circular economy,” said Virna Gonzalez, project and marketing manager at Remain. “By prioritizing thoughtful material recovery over rushed demolition, we can expand opportunities for reuse in our community, while also lowering our collective carbon footprint. It’s through this steady, intentional work that deconstruction evolves from a novel exception into a new standard.”
Inherent in this partnership is the opportunity to scale what many local builders and community members are already doing to reduce construction and demolition waste by advancing systemic training, building partnerships and identifying best practices. Recent salvage initiatives in partnership with the Nantucket Preservation Trust have also helped lay the groundwork for this effort, including a two-part Building Materials ReUse Study, public speaker events with Stephanie Phillips (Senior Manager, Circular Economy & Deconstruction at the City of San Antonio) and Mae Bowley (Former Executive Director of Re:Purpose Savannah) and participation by a local cohort in the Build ReUse: Deconstruction + ReUse Conference. This growing momentum reflects a rising interest among nonprofit organizations in promoting salvage and reuse island-wide.
“Through research, education and shared expertise, Remain is committed to building a more resilient future—one where overlooked materials are transformed into valuable resources and the Nantucket community continues to honor its cultural heritage of reuse in a way that aligns with its current growth,” said Cecil Barron Jensen, executive director of Remain.
About Remain
Remain works to bring creative thinking to environmental and community challenges, elevate local industry and encourage innovation and resilience. Remain Nantucket engages in charitable work to support the evolution of a healthy year-round community across the island. Remain Ventures invests in buildings and mission-related businesses that strengthen Nantucket’s year-round economy and spark innovation that brings long-term value to the island’s residents. Both Remain Nantucket and Remain Ventures are funded by Wendy Schmidt and her husband Eric to support the local economy, community and environmental vitality of the island of Nantucket.
About Nantucket Land Bank
The Nantucket Islands Land Bank is a governmental land conservation program created to acquire, hold and manage important open spaces and endangered landscapes for the use and enjoyment of the general public. Since its creation in 1983, the Land Bank has served as a model for communities across the country.
About Boston Building Resources
Boston Building Resources is a nonprofit consumer co-op and reuse center that empowers homeowners and organizations through sustainable solutions, affordable building materials and educational resources.