NEW ORLEANS – The developer of the Hard Rock Hotel at Canal and Rampart Street has announced plans in coordination with the city to use explosives to implode the partially collapsed structure in January. The exact date has not been set and may have to move because of the city’s plans to host the College Football Playoff championship game.
The city has had to block access to several blocks around the site since the Oct. 12 collapse and the Oct. 20 demolition of two damaged construction cranes that were balanced precariously above it. The planned 18-story hotel partially collapsed while under construction causing the deaths of three construction workers who were inside and unable to escape.
Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the New Orleans Police Department are investigating the incident and there is a possibility of criminal charges and litigation.
In the meantime, the disruption to the daily routine near the disaster site will continue for months. The post-implosion cleanup is expected to last up to three months. Many businesses nearby have been unable to operate; last week, the Small Business Administration announced a loan program to help those affected by the incident.
The project’s developer, 1031 Canal Development LLC, said it has been “actively engaged with the city, state and federal agencies since the moment this incident occurred to respond to the many issues caused by the incident.”
National contractor Kolb Grading LLC and Dem/Tech will manage the operation.
By Rich Collins
