Partial demolition of former Pendleton Memorial Methodist begins
The Landrieu Administration says partial demolition of a Katrina-damaged hospital has begun in New Orleans East as the site is cleared for construction of a new hospital.
4 structures ranging in size from one to six stories will be demolished, mostly on the west side of the former Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital complex. The structures were built in 1967.
The demolition work is being performed by DURR Heavy Construction, LLC.
Mayor Landrieu terms it "another important milestone" that puts the city closer to building a new hospital in New Orleans East, an area that has been without one since Katrina.
The federal government recently agreed to insure a $97.6 mortage loan for the project.
The total cost of the new 80-bed hospital will be $130 million. The facility is scheduled to open in late 2013.
