The removal of the wrecked eyesore at the corner of Canal and Rampart is now centered on the demolition of three landmark structures.
The three buildings, a piano store and two former theatres dating from the late 19th and early 20th century were supposed to be connected to the Hard Rock property as ancillary buildings.
The builder, 1031 Canal Development, says any successful demolition of the collapsed structure must bring down the three landmark buildings.
The developer says the building are irreparable and damaged so badly they must be brought down and demolished first so the dismantling and demolition of the damaged 18-story structure can be successfully torn down.
But WDSU-TV reports, the Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents & Associates fear 1031 Canal could clear the land, including the three landmarks, and come back to the site with a proposal to build an even bigger property.
The Hard Rock Hotel concept was outsized to the surrounding neighborhood inside the French Quarter to begin with.
But the developer was able to get the project approved and mostly built before the collapse.
The actual site on the corner of Canal and Rampart was itself a landmark—site of an early 20th century Woolworth Department Store.
“The removal of the three additional structures that are proposed for demolition actually increase the footprint by 54%,” Vieux Carre Executive Director Erin Holmes told WDSU.
“That increase could turn into a benefit for the developers, which means they would profit from a horrific tragedy.”
But a lawyer for 1031 Canal Developers says they’re only concern is the safe demolition of the condemned structure.
Any further redevelopment or secondary project proposal would entail a long permitting process.
Meanwhile The City Council’s Central Business District Historic District Landmarks Commission will gather together Wednesday to discuss the demolition proposal.