[FONT=Verdana]Demolition of the last structural remnants of the defunct Marineland theme park begins today in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]About 20 crumbling buildings, equivalent to around 65,000 square feet, will be ripped apart largely by hand because of the asbestos in the 1950s-era structures.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]They include the original 12-unit motel, restaurant and the Catalina Room, home to hundreds if not thousands of weddings over the years.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]The large aquariums that once held popular orcas Corky and Orky, Bubbles the pilot whale and other marine animals as well as the 244-foot Sky Tower were demolished years ago.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]Work crews are preparing the 102-acre site for construction of the $320 million Terranea resort, scheduled to open at the end of 2008.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]"It's more a public safety issue -- it's less related to the construction," said Todd Majcher, project manager. "It's more nuisance abatement than anything. We've really had a hard time keeping people out of these buildings."[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]Work will last about three weeks, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]Public access to the coastal trail will remain open, said Ara Mihranian, a planner with the city.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]Demolition of the parking lots, building foundations, sewer lines and the like is expected to begin in early September.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]Groundbreaking is anticipated in October.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]Majcher said he recognizes that it is a fondly remembered South Bay landmark that is being dismantled.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]Marineland opened in 1954 and was visited by millions until its closure in 1987.[/FONT]