The city is temporarily closing the block of South Rampart Street that runs along the east side of the vacant Plaza Tower downtown, citing the risk of falling debris.
The Cantrell administration made the announcement just before 6 p.m. Wednesday, saying that "effective immediately, out of an abundance of caution due to risk of falling debris, South Rampart Street between Julia Street and Howard Avenue will be closed until further notice."
The city said motorists will be detoured right onto Julia and can make a left turn onto Loyola Avenue, a left turn onto Howard Avenue and a right turn back onto South Rampart Street to navigate around the closed roadway.
At dusk Tuesday, loose panels of marble could be seen on the 45 story building near square holes where others used to be. A man could be seen with his belongings inside the perimeter fence.
The vacant building has been a problem spot for falling debris, and a cyclist was struck and injured in 2021. There was also recently a fire in the building, and a day later a man who had gotten inside fell to his death.
Plaza Tower has been vacant and unused since 2002.
