Fort Worth’s Sandman Hotel undergoes demolition to secure structural integrity
Fort Worth, Texas – Nearly a month following an explosion, the Sandman Hotel in downtown Fort Worth is taking its first steps toward recovery and restoration. A restoration firm has recently filed for a permit to commence the demolition process, aiming to stabilize the remnants of the structure. This initiative marks the beginning of a long journey to rebuild and ensure the safety of the historic hotel.
Northland Properties, overseeing the restoration, has emphasized their focus on maintaining the structural integrity of the building. “Our team is now focused on ensuring the structural integrity of the building so that the next phase of work can proceed,” the company stated, promising ongoing updates about the progress.
Agreement Reached for Cleanup
The path to recovery has seen a significant development as Atmos Energy and the hotel owner finalized an agreement on overseeing the cleanup process. This collaborative effort is crucial for clearing the site and preparing it for the subsequent phases of reconstruction. Fort Worth’s Fire Chief James Davis mentioned that the official transfer of property control to the hotel owner would facilitate the investigation into the explosion’s cause. “Everything has been investigated and looked at up to the structure,” Davis commented, highlighting the ongoing efforts to uncover what lies beneath the debris.
Despite thorough investigations, the cause of the blast remains undetermined, with officials confident that criminal activity was not a factor. Atmos Energy has pointed to a gas leak on hotel property, seeking legal absolution from responsibility in related lawsuits. This stance has sparked criticism from Ryan Zehl, a representative for affected workers and guests, who views it as an attempt by Atmos to prematurely evade liability.
Legal Battles and Community Response
As legal proceedings loom, the focus remains on the tangible progress being made around the hotel site. Efforts to clear the sidewalk on 8th Street have been well-received by local business owners, including Lisa Jackson of La Creamian ice cream parlor, who expressed optimism about the direction of the cleanup efforts. “I think it’s going in the right direction. I hope it continues,” Jackson said, acknowledging the visible progress that has been made.
The journey towards restoring the Sandman Hotel and ensuring the safety of its structure and surroundings is underway. With legal challenges on the horizon and an unwavering commitment from the community and involved parties, the focus remains on uncovering the cause of the explosion and rebuilding for the future. The collective effort and determination signify hope for the hotel’s eventual return as a cornerstone of downtown Fort Worth.
