Lake Charles Tower Demolished After Hurricane Damage

The 22-story Hertz Tower in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which had been vacant for four years following severe damage from Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020, was demolished on Saturday. The implosion, funded by $7 million in private money secured by the city, drew spectators as the once-iconic building collapsed in seconds, sending a cloud of dust into the air. Despite efforts to repair the tower, the estimated $167 million cost proved too high, leading to the decision to demolish it. Mayor Nic Hunter expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging the city's attempts to save the structure while ultimately accepting the need for its removal. The building's owner, Hertz Investment Group, still holds the property, and the future of the site remains uncertain.