HOUSTON—
Passersby's in downtown Houston watched the demolition of the 100 year-old Savoy Hotel."Well, I think anytime anything comes down in this city, there are concerns about it. You hate to see it happen," said Mike Massa, a downtown business owner.
Instead of blowing up the building on Main at Leeland, crews have to slowly and carefully tear it down using tractors because of it's unstable structure.
"We expect many challenges, and we have seen all those challenges," said Mike Dokell of Cherry Demolition. "Anytime you are trying to demolish a building that is structurally unsound, you can't predict 100% what is going to happen."
They're working around the clock this weekend and even had to temporarily shut down the Main Street light rail line.
"Our goal is to get the building off of Main Street so Main Street can open Monday morning and the train can come down this street," said Dokell.
But even when the light rail resumes at four AM Monday morning the demolition work will continue for the next two to three weeks.
Crews are careful not to damage the adjacent building added in the sixties, although vacant, will remain standing.
"I do remember the original Savoy on the other side, but I never paid attention to the 100 year-old Savoy on this side," said Massa.
For some, it was like saying goodbye to and old friend, they weren't even aware of until today.
