CAPTION: An excavator begins the demolition of the Atrium Hotel and Conference Center, located at 1400 North Lorraine St. CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE
By Michael Glenn
The demolition of the Atrium Hotel and Conference Center began Friday, December 6, 2024.
City officials and other leaders used an excavator to begin the demolition, following a city process condemning the building which began in August.
An August 20, 2024, city council resolution declared the property unsafe and dangerous and an October 1, 2024, city council vote moved forward with the demolition.
Demolition is being handled by Kansas Concrete LLC.
City Manager Enrico Villegas said the demolition is scheduled to be completed in March 2025.
“The Atrium Hotel, once a key part of Hutchinson’s hospitality and conference industry, has deteriorated to the point where it no longer meets safety and building standards,” an official press release from the City read. “The City is committed to removing the hazard in an effort to make the community safer.”
While the City of Hutchinson will oversee the demolition process, it will not take ownership of the property at any point.
