FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 8, 2007

Demolition activities to start on Cherry Street Inn

The downtown streetscape will change once again as environmental abatement and demolition work commence this week on the Cherry Street Inn, located at 921 Cherry St.

The main structure demolition activities will occur in early spring. The entire abatement and demolition work is scheduled to take approximately 120 days. This work will prime the site for upcoming construction within the East Village redevelopment plan area.

City of Kansas City, Mo., staff issued a notice to proceed Jan. 2 to DECO Companies Inc., ordering the company to perform environmental and demolition work including abatement, backfill drainage and seeding of the site. Kingston Environmental and AT Abatement will perform abatement and hazardous waste remediation work including abatement on asbestos containing materials on the exterior and interior of the building. While work is ongoing, the project site will have fencing, barricades and scaffolding put around the perimeter of the Cherry Street Inn. A plastic and plywood barrier will be applied to the building where exterior work is being performed. Family Environmental Compliance Services and the City will complete oversight of the work. The City's Capital Improvements Management Office is managing the completion of this project.

All construction and repair work is done as long as the weather is favorable for such outdoor activity. Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are reminded to use caution in areas adjacent to active construction sites. Conditions in these areas can change rapidly, which may expose people to unexpected dangerous situations.