Works stopped almost as they start; leaking transformers to blame.
Work to demolish the Ford Auditorium was halted today as the fire department investigated what was initially thought to be a hazmat situation, fire officials said. Six leaking transformers were cleaned up, and firefighters called off the scene. It was not known late this afternoon if demolition work would resume today.
Demolition crews began attacking the Ford Auditorium this morning to begin removal of the downtown building, which has been abandoned for more than 15 years.
Mayor Dave Bing said the destruction of the former home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is the first of many steps to bring the city’s downtown back to life.
“Our downtown is really, really coming back, and I think the (demolition) of this building here will open up a tremendous opportunity for our citizens and visitors to come down and have a great reason to be here,” Bing said.
Adamo Demolition of Detroit is carrying out the destruction of the building at the east end of Hart Plaza. The company will use “traditional” methods to tear the building down instead of a one-time implosion effort, President Richard Adamo said.
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