Old Convention Center demolition process to begin next week

[willrusso]

After serving Raleigh for 28 years, the old convention center is slated for demolition next week. Raleigh has grown tremendously in 30 years and the upgrade was long overdue. Because the old convention center is so old, it was built during the days when asbestos was still used as insulation. This rules out the possibility of an implosion which sucks because I happen to like watching implosions. Article can be read here:

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/wake/conv...p-9249762c.html

[Damien]

The article actually says that demo will not take place until December. They have to remove asbestos inside first.

[Eastwestrob]

After serving Raleigh for 28 years, the old convention center is slated for demolition next week. Raleigh has grown tremendously in 30 years and the upgrade was long overdue. Because the old convention center is so old, it was built during the days when asbestos was still used as insulation. This rules out the possibility of an implosion which sucks because I happen to like watching implosions. Article can be read here:

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/wake/conv...p-9249762c.html

Thats too bad ...I was looking forward to seeing an Implosion. Wouldn't want little fish hooks floating through the air attaching to my lungs.

[waynehead]

Yeah, that sucks, I was hoping to attend the big implosion. oh well.

[urbanesq]

I have always thought they should gather up a bunch of sledgehammers and sell the chance to take a swing at the old eyesore for $10.00 each. I know I'd wait in line for my chance. Hell, i'd pay $50.00 Bet they could raise close to the entire price tag of the new center that way!

[Justin6882]

Just in case any of you haven't seen yet, the demolition has begun on the old convention center site. They have fences up all around it and have begun tearing it down! I'll try to get up there today after work and take some pictures and post them tomorrow sometime.

[Eastwestrob]

Just in case any of you haven't seen yet, the demolition has begun on the old convention center site. They have fences up all around it and have begun tearing it down! I'll try to get up there today after work and take some pictures and post them tomorrow sometime.

Justin, can you possibly take some photos of the new CC site as well and post.

[Flash]

Here's one I took from last night, when the rains came:

[urbanvb]

That is one spectacular pic Flash. You never cease to amaze me with your skills.

[Justin6882]

^^Thanks Flash, I didn't get out of work yesterday until it was too dark to take any pictures (with my camera at least ) I'll try to get out there at lunch today.

[Eastwestrob]

Thanks Flash...Nice picture. You must have a pretty sweet camera. Looks like they are @ 40 feet deep now. Wonder how many truckloads so far...If I remember right, it was mentioned @ 38,000 truckloads total to be removed.

[Justin6882]

Here they are, the first is an intersection on Fayetteville street taking shape...

[Raleighsfinest]

Flash you should do this for a living.

[ChiefJoJo]

Bringing this topic back...

I went down to the old CC site and the demolition is moving along nicely. I see that the east and west wings (along Salisbury and Wilmington St.) are starting to come down now.

[Eastwestrob]

Here they are, the first is an intersection on Fayetteville street taking shape...

Thanks for the pics Justin....Man they have moved a lot of dirt.

[dmccall]

Its interesting to see how some of the facade of the CC is BENT!!

[ChiefJoJo]

^I wish they arranged a HUGE implosion instead of this piecemeal stuff.

But man, it's gonna be great once they demolish it, and remove the debris... the view from Memorial Auditorium to the Capitol will be restored for the first time since the mid 70s--when I was born (I've never seen it). Maybe I'm overstating this, but I think it will be a very special day when that view is restored--sort of a turning point in Raleigh's history... a look back into to our past with a vision for our future. For me, all the political fighting about what to do with Fayetteville St and how much we paid for it will roll away and it will all be worth it.

[Jones_]

Its interesting to see how some of the facade of the CC is BENT!!

Yeah, it almost looks like the demolition firm does not know what they are doing on the Wilmington St side. I almost (I know kick me) miss at least the wierd '70's look to the old CC. If it had been located somewhere else besides in the middle of Fayetteville St. and had some massive upgrades it might have worked out fine...

[pack-man]

The place looks halfway torn down. It is hanging in sections and I believe that they are about to start on the central area soon. It won't be long before the view is restored!!

[pack-man]

The place looks halfway torn down. It is hanging in sections and I believe that they are about to start on the central area soon. It won't be long before the view is restored!!

[ChiefJoJo]

I heard from an engineer that's working on the project that the end sections that were slowly being "hacked to pieces" by machinery are essentially complete, and now they are focusing on the main exhibit hall, removing the asbestos. The cool thing is that they are going to implode it once the asbestos work is done. That's gonna be cool to watch!

[pack-man]

I believe the implosion (using explosives) is going to be friday of next week (17th) I will be there, I love explosions. The same guys that do the hotels in Vegas are behind this, so it should be legit.

[ChiefJoJo]

My first thought is to be down Fayetteville Street next week, so when the dust settles (literally), I will be one of the first to see the PE Ctr-to-Capitol view!

[Jones_]

My first thought is to be down Fayetteville Street next week, so when the dust settles (literally), I will be one of the first to see the PE Ctr-to-Capitol view!

Friday the 17th huh? Keep us updated on times. I likely will make the trip too.

[Transplant]

Where is the parking deck? I thought it was under the Convention center.