When news of the historic Royal Hotel partially collapsing a few weeks ago, city leaders knew that it would only be a matter of time before they would need to do something for the safety of the citizens. After heavy rains, flooding, and wind impacted the building continually throughout the month of June, the southwest corner finally broke away and now lay in a pile on the ground.
River Street had been closed weeks ago but out of precaution, Marietta and South Streets were also closed. Griffey Insurance Agency has had to meet clients outside of their office and those at Smith’s Barber Shop were told to relocate temporarily. Those citizens living in the apartments above the shops on South Street were also asked to leave and were taken in by The Elms Hotel and Spa for the time being.
After structural engineers examined the property it was decided that the east half of the hotel would be demolished. The east half was built in 1898, and was originally 3 stories. It was first known as Snapp’s Tavern and was built entirely of wood. The western half of the building was built twenty years later and is made of concrete and slab, much more sound than the wooden half. The engineers will have to determine after demolishing the east half if the west half of the building can be saved or not.
Demolition began on Saturday around 10:00am but had to stop about a half hour in due to equipment malfunction. Knowing repairs would take 6-8 hours and it being a holiday weekend, the City has scheduled work to begin again on Tuesday. Citizens can expect for roads in the vicinity to be closed while work takes place. It is expected to last 3-5 days for initial demolition and then another 2-5 weeks for clean up. Due to the possibility of asbestos, the City is having a wet demolition done, which requires a fire pumper to be brought in so there’s enough pressure to make it to the top. However, inspectors on the scene have said there has been no sign of asbestos in what has initially been tore down.
Citizens began sharing their memories of the Royal Hotel with old pictures:
- Road Rage Incident Escalates to Shooting in Excelsior Springs, Suspect Arrested
- Mum Madness at Bargain Zone as Excelsior Springs Goes Crazy for Fall Flowers
- Lady Tigers Extend Perfect Start with Commanding Win Over Oak Park
- Football Tigers Secure First Win with Strong Second-Half Performance Over Winnetonka
- Varsity Volleyball Drops Third Straight Match to North Kansas City
