Implosion preparations temporarily on hold

Friday, Nov. 26, 1999 | 9 a.m.

Work crews have punched four large holes in the side of the building in advance of the demolition, but the work is on hold until a judge can hear a plea from preservationists to save the downtown landmark.

Workers using a backhoe and other heavy machinery clawed at the east side of the vacant 52-year-old hotel, removing part of the roof on Wednesday and clearing debris to prepare for the scheduled implosion on Super Bowl Sunday, Jan. 30.

Preservationists were caught by surprise by the work, and quickly turned to Washoe District Court for an order to stop it.

Four members of the Truckee Meadows Heritage Trust filed a lawsuit two weeks ago seeking to stop the demolition of the Mapes, but the case has yet to get a preliminary hearing.

"When I saw it, I rushed back to my office," to prepare a legal motion, said Jeff Dickerson, a lawyer representing the Reno group.

Dickerson met briefly with Judge Peter Breen and deputy city attorney Michael Halley. They agreed to schedule a hearing Monday on whether a temporary restraining order should be issued to prevent further destruction of the Mapes.

Heritage Trust President Toni Harsh said she was surprised that crews moved so swiftly Wednesday.

"I went to the building about noon and the operator was getting into the backhoe," Harsh said. "I thought, should I chain myself to the thing?"

She called Dickerson instead.

Reno officials said there was no plan to sneak anything past the preservationists. The city awarded an $819,000 contract Sept. 13 to Lakeside, Calif.-based Clauss Construction for the demolition.

The Mapes, which ushered in the modern era of casinos with its package of gaming, hotel rooms and entertainment, gained popularity in the 1950s as a hangout for entertainers and politicians. Stars like Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra performed in its famed Skyroom.

City spokesman Chris Good said the damage isn't irreversible. The holes were put in the southeast section, which consists of two levels. The remainder of the building is 12 stories.

"We are not past the point of no return," Good said.