Post #721742 by AceExplorer on Sat, Jul 5, 2014 9:09 AM

I have mixed reactions to this.

Sad that this burned, there is real history and many memories there. Original art and décor and architecture is a terrible loss in this fire. Not sure if the big shell was still around, but from the videos, it seems what was left is now gone.

Not sad because, in the end, we do have photos, and it may actually help with a re-build to start from scratch. How much mold, mildew, insects, etc. has the Coco Palms accumulated since the hurricane? Tearing everything down and starting new might be the only way to address the unhealthy conditions which currently exist. It is a very neglected series of structures. On top of that, old infrastructure would saddle the new operators with a lot of maintenance and operational issues which aren't inherent in modern designs and materials.

The fire is a shame, but there always was the possibility that they were going to have to "remove and replace" major portions anyway. The real loss is the art and décor which previously could have been salvageable.