Tropical Acres' Demolition Starts Today; Slated for December Reopening

Tropical Acres starts demolition today, about six weeks after the early-morning accidental fire that started in the restaurant's laundry area. Owner Michael Greenlaw says that the demolition is relegated to a 1,400-square-foot section of the roof and that all walls are structurally sound. ...

By Melissa McCart

October 10, 2011

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Tropical Acres starts demolition today, about six weeks after the early-morning accidental fire that started in the restaurant's laundry area. Owner Michael Greenlaw says that the demolition is relegated to a 1,400-square-foot section of the roof and that all walls are structurally sound.

The restaurant also awaits permits for continuation of the rebuilding process, which it expects to snag in the next eight to ten days. Greenlaw says the rebuild will include plumbing and electrical work in the kitchen as well as new carpet and wall coverings in the dining room. Seventy-five percent of the kitchen equipment was salvaged.

In assessing damage, workers found the original tongue and groove walls behind wood paneling and will restore the restaurant to the way it looked in the late '40s.

"The city has been great in helping us get back on our feet," says Greenlaw, who is shooting for a December reopening. "We've also been keeping in touch with employees and expect many of them to return." Between 55 and 60 of the original 65 workers are slated to return for the holiday shifts.

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