The Sheraton Atlanta Airport Hotel implosion has been officially scheduled for Sunday, September 5th at approximately 7:30 a.m., according to a press release from the City of Atlanta. The hotel was purchased by the City in May of 2017 for approximately $17 million, but continued operations until July of 2021.
The purchase and demolition is part of Hartsfield-Jackson’s 20-year, $6 billion master plan to update and expand the 40-year old airport facility. The site of the hotel will be cleared to make way for the addition of the airport’s 6th runway, as well as relocation of cargo facilities.
The hotel is located on the southwestern edge of the airport complex, between the existing fourth and fifth runways, just west of Riverdale Road. The 395-room hotel served the airport for approximately 33 years. The demolition is not expected to have a significant impact on the availability of rooms around the airport, however it will mean the layoff 145 employees, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Road closures and detours for the implosion event will be put into place beginning in the afternoon of Saturday, September 4th. On the morning of the implosion, a safety zone will be set up by police around the building prior to the implosion. People nearby can expect dust to linger for 4 to 6 minutes after the initial implosion and may blow into the surrounding areas. Area residents are advised to close all windows and doors and close any air-intakes that may allow dust to enter your building.
