FORT WORTH, Texas – The Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel remains closed following an explosion in the W.T. Waggoner Building on Jan. 8. The city’s fire department is investigating a possible gas leak as the cause of the explosion, which caused structural damage to the historic building and significant damage to the nearby streets.
Despite the building’s historical significance and its designation on the National Register of Historic Places, repairs to the structure will not require any special process or permits, according to Fort Worth’s development services department. However, the priority is to ensure the building is structurally sound before moving forward with repairs.
The main structural damage occurred when the street-level concrete floor collapsed into the basement, where the Asian fusion restaurant Musume is located. Although there was also damage to windows and doors, the building’s overall steel structure is believed to have prevented a complete collapse from the blast impact.
As the investigation continues, downtown hotels are working collectively to accommodate displaced Sandman hotel guests and those with future reservations. In addition, the owners of the hotel could benefit from state tax credits to help with the restoration of the historic building, which may ease the cost of repairs and expedite the reopening of the hotel.
The city is prioritizing safety and the structural integrity of the building before moving forward with any repair plans. The reopening of the Sandman hotel remains on hold until the investigation is complete and repairs can be safely carried out.
The Sandman hotel is operated by Northland Properties, a Vancouver-based hotel firm. The investigation and repair process are ongoing, with the city taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and preservation of the historic building.
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