Tall & Urban News

The 22-story Capital One Bank Tower in Lake Charles, Louisiana, was imploded on Saturday, 7 September after sitting vacant for nearly four years, marking the end of a once-iconic structure that became a symbol of destruction from Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020. The building, which has also been called the Hertz Tower more recently, was a prominent feature of the city’s skyline for over 40 years.

Severely damaged after the 2020 hurricanes, the building suffered shattered windows and torn tarps. Efforts to repair the tower were stalled by lengthy legal battles between its owners, the Hertz Investment Group, and their insurance provider, Zurich, ultimately leading to the decision to demolish the structure.

The implosion was funded by $7 million USD in private money secured by the city, but the future of the site remains uncertain as Hertz still owns the property. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter called the demolition “bittersweet,” acknowledging the city’s efforts to save the building while expressing readiness for resolution after years of inactivity. The destruction of the high-rise reflects the broader struggles of Lake Charles, a city of 80,000 residents known for its festivals and Cajun flair but also labeled America’s “most weather-battered city” by the Weather Channel.

The two hurricanes that caused the severe damage, Laura and Delta, struck the area just six weeks apart in 2020. They caused an estimated $22 billion USD in damage, devastating the city and its residents. While Lake Charles shows signs of recovery, many buildings remain in disrepair, and residents continue to struggle with housing issues, waiting for financial relief, seeking affordable homes, or battling insurance companies in court for fair compensation. The implosion symbolizes both the challenges and the ongoing efforts to rebuild a city still grappling with the aftermath of strong storms.

Learn more about this story at AP News.