Redevelopment of the landmark Walesbilt Hotel is officially taking a step forward as work is scheduled to begin on the removal of large amounts of debris which is stacked on the floors in the ten-story tower.
The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency has approved a contract with Bartow-based SEMCO Construction for the work, which estimates indicate will require 50 dumpsters holding 20 cubic yards each. Most of the material is light-weight aerated concrete which was used for partition walls throughout, providing the buildings advertised “fireproof” status when it was constructed 100 years ago.
The project will require 1,620 hours of general labor plus 240 hours for supervisors, indicating that the job could be completed in only five weeks of steady work. The need for a crane accounts for $35,000 of the total cost of $101,830.