Funds For Demolition Await Denver Conv. Center Expansion

DENVER— A Denver City Council committee held off on approving $1.7 million to demolish Currigan Hall to make way for the Colorado Convention Center expansion, because the future of the project seems less than certain. Councilman Ted Hackworth said the project cant go forward without a hotel, and there is no point spending more money before the developers, Bruce and Seth Berger, can get the deal together. The city has spent $3 million to remove asbestos from Currigan Hall, and the final demolition might be delayed if the council approves it. The asbestos would have had to be removed before demolition in any case. This is the latest delay in a project plagued by labor disputes and land acquisition problems. Staff members laid out a timeline for the project that includes the Currigan Hall demolition by February, purchase and demolition of the Terracentre by October 2002, and the expansion of the new convention center by September 2004. SOURCE: The Denver Post