Motel Demolished Strategically For I-70 Expansion
DENVER (CBS4) - A big construction project will help expand Interstate 70 through central Denver and the first signs are starting to show.
It started with the demolition of a motel whose sign easily seen by westbound drivers.
The shed behind the old Colonial Manor Motel off of I-70 was the first to topple.
"This is just another step toward construction getting started this summer so we're really excited to get the ball rolling," Gabi Dyer, a spokesperson for Colorado Department of Transportation, said.
Eventually the entire motel will be torn down. It's being demolished to make room for an I-70 expansion and viaduct improvement project that aims to expand the interstate and put it underground.
On Saturday, residents in the Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods watched curiously as the local stalwart was torn down piece by piece.
The motel was 70 years old and very nice in it's heyday. These days, it's sign is easily it's most recognizable feature - especially for anyone coming to Denver from the east.
"It's been an iconic structure from I-70 for a while," Dyer said.
CDOT is taking the brick and mortar building down, but the sign will likely live on Dyer said.
"We're working with local museums to preserve the sign and preserve the history."
The hotel's sheds and outbuildings are now history - next will be the northern building and then everything else.
But, don't expect to see any implosions or wrecking balls. This demolition will be meticulous and will take construction crews four weeks.
"They'll just take it down piece by piece. It's not all going to come down at one time," Dyer said.
RELATED: I-70 Expansion Story Archive
Michael Abeyta is a 4th generation Coloradan and a Multimedia Journalist for CBS4. His stories can be seen on CBS4 News at 5 & 6. He is on Twitter! Follow him @AbeytaCBS4.
