Capital One Tower Set for Demolition
Iconic Lake Charles Building to Come Down
The Capital One Tower, the most recognizable office building Lake Charles, is set to be demolished in the coming months. The building, which has stood tall for over 50 years will be coming down after owners determined the cost to bring the building to current code was cost-prohibitive.
Building's History
The Capital One Tower was built in 1972 with 20 floors standing over 300 feet tall. The building was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, a leading architectural firm and was built by the McDevitt Street Bovis construction company. The building was also designed to withstand hurricanes, something that was put to the test in 2020 by Hurricane Laura. The building sustained some damage but remained standing.
Building's Current State
The building has been mostly empty since Hurricane Laura, with only a few tenants remaining. The building's owners, Capital One, have said that the cost to bring the building up to code would be too high, leading them to the decision to demolish the tower.
Demolition Details
The demolition of the Capital One Tower is expected to begin in the coming months. The demolition will be a complex process due to the building's size and location. The building will be demolished in a controlled implosion, which will take place in several stages.
Controlled Implosion
A controlled implosion involves placing explosives at strategic points in the building. The explosives are then detonated, causing the building to collapse in on itself. This method of demolition helps to minimize damage to surrounding buildings and infrastructure.
Preparations
Before the implosion can take place, several preparations must be made. These preparations include:
- Removing all hazardous materials from the building
- Securing the area around the building
- Notifying surrounding businesses and residents of the implosion
Community Reaction
The decision to demolish the Capital One Tower has been met with mixed reactions from the community. Some residents are sad to see the building go, while others believe that it's time for a new era in Lake Charles.
The demolition of the Capital One Tower is a major event for Lake Charles. The building has been a part of the city's skyline for over 50 years, and its demolition will mark the end of an era. However, the demolition also presents an opportunity for the city to rebuild and grow.
Additional Information
For more information on the Capital One Tower demolition, please visit the following websites:
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