Louisiana skyscraper demolition set for Saturday after hurricane damage

An abandoned 22-story building in Lake Charles, Louisiana, known as The Hertz Tower, is set for demolition after being vacant for nearly four years. The structure became a symbol of the devastation caused by hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020, which inflicted significant damage on the region. The building's owners, Hertz Investment Group, had initially planned to repair it but ultimately settled with their insurance provider for an undisclosed amount, leading to the decision to demolish the tower. The implosion is scheduled for Saturday at 8 a.m. (CT), with the building expected to collapse to four or six stories. The city has secured $7 million in private funding for the demolition, reflecting the community's desire to move forward from the lingering impact of the hurricanes. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter expressed a sense of resolution, acknowledging the challenges faced in trying to save the building. Lake Charles, home to around 80,000 residents, has been labeled as America’s “most-weather battered city” due to the severe impacts of the hurricanes. The storms caused an estimated $22 billion in damage across the region, leaving many residents still struggling with recovery. While some rebuilding efforts are underway, numerous buildings remain in disrepair, and many residents continue to face housing challenges exacerbated by the disasters. The demolition of The Hertz Tower marks a significant step in the city’s recovery journey, symbolizing both the loss and the hope for future development. As the community looks to rebuild, the fate of the site remains uncertain, with the city and its residents eager for progress after years of hardship.