Homes and businesses in Midtown may be accessible as early as Friday after crews complete a “critical part” of bringing down a malfunctioned crane that caused evacuations and road closures last week.
Construction crews have officially begun dismantling the crane, which for nearly a week has been towering outside of the high-rise at 1105 West Peachtree Street, Alabama-based construction company Brasfield & Gorrie said in a statement Thursday.
“Crews have begun the process of removing the upper horizontal members of the tower crane,” the company said. “This work will continue through the evening. Once that phase is complete and the area is safe, we will coordinate with Atlanta Fire and other officials to allow residents of the evacuated apartment building to return to the area.”
Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC
Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC
The Atlantic House apartments, along with several nearby businesses, have been closed since last Friday morning, when crews first became concerned about the teetering crane. A mechanical failure caused it to tilt as crews were attempting to lower it, officials previously said.
After determining it was in danger of falling onto buildings below, Atlanta firefighters went door to door clearing hundreds of residents. No one was injured in the construction mishap, and the crane operator was able to make it out safely.
Nearby restaurants were encouraged not to open, and a medical office was forced to close its doors and turn away urgent care patients. Northside Medical Midtown and several surrounding businesses have remained closed ever since.
Brasfield & Gorrie said it will coordinate with Atlanta Fire to determine when it is safe for residents to return and businesses to open. Those who were evacuated from their apartments and condominiums have been taking shelter in hotels paid for by the construction company.
“We know you have all been very anxious to go home and back to your normal lives,” Atlanta House apartments said in an email to its residents. “Therefore, tomorrow, Friday Feb. 26 we can really say TGIF ... because it has been confirmed we’re going home!!”
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