Hertz Tower Demolition FAQs
Hertz Tower Demolition FAQs
Updated: Thursday, August 22, 2024
The Hertz Tower, formerly known as the Capital One Tower, is a privately owned property that is currently undergoing demolition. The demolition will include the lower atrium, 21-story tower, and sky bridge that connects the main structure to the parking garage. The parking garage will not be demolished. The taller, tower portion is scheduled to be demolished by a controlled implosion. This project is a private project, contracted out by the private property owners, and being paid for with private dollars.
When will the implosion take place?
The implosion is currently scheduled for the morning of Saturday, September 7, 2024; however, there are certain factors beyond the Contractor’s control that are necessary to ensure a safe demolition which may cause the demolition to be delayed beyond this date.
What company is carrying out the demolition?
The private owner of the former Capital One Tower has hired Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition to serve as the general contractor of their demolition project. Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition has subcontracted with Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI), to handle the implosion of the 21-story tower.
Both companies bring vast experience in their respective fields. More can be learned by visiting www.lloydnabors.com and www.controlled-demolition.com.
Who will be affected by the implosion? Will the downtown area need to be evacuated?
The Contractor has made preliminary personal contact with affected properties and individuals. Contractors have also provided a map to the City that defines the Exclusion Zone during the implosion.
The City has been advised that properties located within this Exclusion Zone are able to be occupied during the implosion; however, no people or pets should be outside at the time of the implosion.
What can the general public expect on implosion day?
The City has been advised that the implosion will take place at approximately 8:00 a.m. on the scheduled implosion date. In the hours before the actual implosion, a series of road closures in the downtown area will be put in place and managed by law enforcement. These closures are set to begin at 6:30 a.m., and are for the protection of public safety. The City asks for the public’s cooperation with law enforcement in respecting these closures. Failure to adhere to the exclusion zone or the lawful orders of commissioned law enforcement officers assigned to the enforcement of the exclusion zone may result in fines and/or arrest. (City Ordinance 459-24).
The actual implosion is scheduled to take less than thirty (30) seconds. The tower is expected to be brought down to a height of approximately four to six stories. After the implosion, the contractor will move in with traditional excavation equipment to continue demolition and remove all the debris.
The Contractor will deploy street sweepers to clear City streets of any dust that may have accumulated as a result of the implosion. Many of the road closures will be lifted within 30 minutes to one hour following the implosion.
The roads in the immediate vicinity of the demolition site will remain closed for approximately four hours to allow for continued site cleanup.
What steps are being taken to ensure public safety?
The City of Lake Charles has hired a third-party consultant, The Lemoine Company, LLC to add an additional layer of experience to make sure that this demolition is seamless, all is in order, and all necessary precautions are being taken through this entire process. Lemoine has extensive experience with multiple other major demolitions. Lemoine and City staff engage in consistent communication with the demolition contractors.
Both Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition and Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI) are fully licensed and both have stellar track records and experience. Communication between contractors and public safety personnel has been and will continue to be consistent through this entire process.
Will there be safe zones for the public to view the implosion?
If the general public wishes to view the implosion, they must do so outside of the designated exclusion zone. The public is asked to be respectful of private property and avoid trespassing. Any attempt to view the implosion from the interstate is strictly prohibited.
In addition to the Exclusion Zone established on land, a water safety zone will be established on the water for the safety of boaters. This water safety zone will be enforced by law enforcement and, in the interest of public safety, the public is asked for their cooperation in respecting this water safety zone.
The US Coast Guard has enacted this Water Safety Zone and by doing so, law enforcement officials enforcing the water safety zone can issue citations for violations of the zone (LA RS 34:851.14.2). Penalties can be fines anywhere from $100-$1,000 and possible forfeiture of anything seized in connection with the violation.
Will the media have designated areas to cover the implosion?
The Contractors are working to establish a designated area for media coverage of the implosion. This zone will be for credentialed members of the media only. Members of the media wishing to learn more about this designated coverage zone should contact Katie Harrington by email katie.harrington@cityoflc.us.
How long will the site cleanup take?
The complete cleanup of the site will take approximately 90 days post-implosion. The site will be a development-ready site once site cleanup is complete. The slab will be removed and fill dirt will be added to ensure proper drainage of the site.
What will happen to the property after implosion and site cleanup?
The property is privately owned. The future of the site is currently undetermined. The property does fall within the Downtown Development Authority so any future developments will have to meet the ordinances and codes set forth in the City’s adopted Downtown Development Code, which are designed to encourage development that benefits a traditional Downtown environment.
How can I follow along with updates as they become available?
Visit www.cityoflakecharles.com/tower.
Click here for a PDF of this document.
Click the links below to learn more about the Enforcement of the Exclusion Zone:
Exclusion zones for Capital One Tower implosion will be heavily enforced, officials say (kplctv.com)
Click below for the MYDOTD notice regarding Interstate 10:
https://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=36544
Map of Exclusion Zone Referenced Above
