South Beloit IL
11-08-2024 1:36pm

Demolition of South Beloit’s Garden Hotel progresses smoothly

The pool is closed, along with the rest of the Garden Hotel's conference and banquet facilities.

The demolition of the Garden Hotel, a once-thriving landmark in South Beloit, is proceeding as planned, according to workers from the Green Demolition Contractors Inc, a construction contractor based in Chicago. Despite the complexity of the task, Sam, an onsite supervisor, told us on November 8, 2024 that demolition was proceeding according to schedule and that everything was going well.

Asbestos abatement underway

One of the major hurdles of the demolition has been asbestos abatement. Asbestos has been found in multiple locations throughout the hotel, including the ceilings, near pipes, and flooring. However, the clearing out the hotel’s rooms, furniture and innards and piling them outside has facilitated easier access to asbestos-insulated areas. This clearing out, according to Sam, has allowed the abatement process to proceed smoothly, with teams expecting to complete this phase by early next week.

Surprises amid the rubble

While the demolition has gone largely as expected, crews have stumbled upon a few historical surprises. Among the finds were logos from previous hotel chains that operated in the building, including Holiday Inn and Ramada Inn, tucked away in office spaces.

Another discovery included old Pabst Blue Ribbon pull-tab beer cans hidden within the walls, a relic from the hotel’s original construction.

Looking ahead

Barring unforeseen complications, the demolition is expected to wrap up within the next three to four months, taking demolition work into February. When asked about work in the winter months, Sam remarked that the crew is “used to the cold.” Once completed, the site will be ready for redevelopment, marking the end of an era for the South Beloit community.

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