Irma damage closes Wells Fargo Center, Hyatt Regency

Damage from Hurricane Irma has shut down at least two major downtown buildings – the Wells Fargo Center and the riverfront Hyatt Regency.

The Wells Fargo Center sustained significant damage, with much of its electrical infrastructure being destroyed by flooding. Disaster relief teams were pumping water and mud out of the lower floors and the building’s parking garage this past week. Tenants are in the process of being relocated, as the building will be unusable for weeks if not months.

The Hyatt Regency, meanwhile, is also closed until further notice. Due to its location right along the river, it sustained a significant amount of flooding damage. As with the Wells Fargo Center, water had to be pumped out of the building.

While these are the biggest closures announced, they’re by no means the only ones, as Irma unleashed havoc upon many local businesses and homes.

Noted projects

• Gates of Pottsburg Plaza, a shopping center at 23 University Blvd., was issued a permit this week to initiate an exterior facelift project.
• UPS received a permit to build its $25 million addition to its center at 4420 Imeson Rd.
• Crane Ramen received a permit for build-out at 1029 Park St. in Five Points. The long-vacant storefront was originally going to be occupied by The Happy Grilled Cheese before they opted to move in downtown instead.