Demolition of the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel will begin in April, Mayor LaToya Cantrell's office announced Tuesday.
In a wide-ranging press conference, Communications Director Beau Tidwell said part of the reason for the continued delay is the city's effort to work around French Quarter Festival and other festivals. But the contract for demolition needs to be worked out between the property owners and the demolition contractors and is out of the city's hands.
It's also held up by litigitation. Fire department personnel have been escorting officials inside through the building.
"We are trying to be up on our toes and ready for demolition basically as soon as we have that contract," Tidwell said.
But no one is allowed above the 14th floor, he added, and they're still unable to remove the remains of the workers who died in the collapse.
"Getting people out is absolutely a priority," Tidwell said.
Three buildings adjacent to the Hard Rock are still slated for demolition as well, but Tidwell said he doesn't know if those orders have been given.
Eileen Flemming contributed to this report.