flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

It's official: Norman Foster-designed Harmon hotel and casino to be razed due to structural issues

It's official: Norman Foster-designed Harmon hotel and casino to be razed due to structural issues

Construction of the Las Vegas tower was halted in 2008 after experts discovered faulty steel beams in the structure. Now its owner, MGM, has received permission to demolish the building. 


By BD+C Staff | May 9, 2014
Photo: Vrysxy via Wikimedia Common
Photo: Vrysxy via Wikimedia Common

The long and controversial tale of the Harmon hotel and casino is over: MGM Resorts International has received permission to demolish the tower, Dezeen reports.

The court ruling comes in the midst of the debate between owner MGM and developer Tutor Perini, which has been waged over who is at fault for the building's failure.

Construction of the resort was halted after experts discovered faulty steel beams in the structure. They determined that the beams would not stand up to an earthquake.

Elizabeth Gonzalez, a Clark County District judge, has ordered lawyers on either side to collect outstanding evidence, in effect paving the way for demolition. The demolition will involve the complex being taken apart floor by floor, at a cost of $11.5 million.

Foster + Partners designed the Harmon, which broke ground in 2006. The structural issues were discovered two years into construction.

Some history on the project via Wikipedia:

In late 2008, work on the Harmon Hotel/Condo Tower was stopped after inspectors discovered construction defects: county inspectors discovered improper installation by Pacific Coast Steel, of critical steel reinforcements (rebar) after 15 stories of the building had already been erected.

The error caused a major change in the building's design; instead of being 49 stories, it was reduced to 28 stories with the condominium element, The Harmon Residences removed entirely. At the time, 88 of the 207 condominiums were reserved by buyers who had put 20 percent down. Those buyers were offered refunds or the option to buy in other buildings. 

Related Stories

Office Buildings | Apr 19, 2018

From fitness to bowling alleys: How commercial office buildings are differentiating themselves through amenities

Here are five ways that amenities can help developers and building owners attract and secure tenants by appealing to their inhabitants.

Architects | Apr 19, 2018

Perkins Eastman and Dougherty announce intent to merge

Combined practice will create expanded capabilities for K-12, higher education projects in California.

Architects | Apr 17, 2018

Cannon Design expects merger with gkkworks will help streamline its deliveries

The combined firm reinforces its presence in the western U.S.

Architects | Apr 16, 2018

Is the AEC industry ready to shake off its retrograde image?

Technology has been and always will be perceived as a source for wonder and worry.

Architects | Apr 10, 2018

HOK names a physician as its new Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Andrew Ibrahim will collaborate with the firm’s medical planning and design teams.    

Architects | Apr 5, 2018

AIA grants $100,000 to four Upjohn Research Initiative projects

The purpose of the grant is to provide base funds for applied research projects that will advance the design profession’s knowledge and practice.

Architects | Apr 5, 2018

Tech Report 5.0: The Human Touch

Can studying humans at a behavioral level produce better buildings? Cognitive architecture experts are working to find out.

Architects | Apr 4, 2018

How to acquire speaking engagements and hone your skills

So, you understand the benefits, but how do you actually get started with speaking engagements?

Architects | Apr 4, 2018

8 things to consider before using digital media to communicate with employees

The Marlin Company, a visual communications and digital signage provider, published a guide that outlines eight basic questions, along with some advice, about workplace digital signage.

Education Facilities | Mar 30, 2018

How can we design safer schools in the age of active shooters?

How can we balance the need for additional security with design principles that foster a more nurturing next-generation learning environment for students?

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category



Urban Planning

The magic of L.A.’s Melrose Mile

Great streets are generally not initially curated or willed into being. Rather, they emerge organically from unintentional synergies of commercial, business, cultural and economic drivers. L.A.’s Melrose Avenue is a prime example. 


Curtain Wall

7 steps to investigating curtain wall leaks

It is common for significant curtain wall leakage to involve multiple variables. Therefore, a comprehensive multi-faceted investigation is required to determine the origin of leakage, according to building enclosure consultants Richard Aeck and John A. Rudisill with Rimkus. 

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021