Workers with Brandenburg Demolition Services already have gutted the buildings, removing 700 tons of carpeting, drywall and other debris in preparation of the demolition. The demolition will occur over the next 12 to 14 weeks leaving a flat, vacant lot where a 14-story building, a four-story connector building and the Tower Building currently stand.

The hotel complex is owned by CityVest, a non-profit agency. When the agency began seeking bids to tear down the buildings in 2005, experts advised that implosion was the most cost-effective method. When the bids came in, however, Brandenburg, which was the lowest responsible bidder at $2.9 million, recommended demolition over implosion.