CVI to tear down motor lodge next week

MINDEN -- Demolition of the fire-damaged Carson Valley Motor Lodge will start this week.

Bill Henderson, Carson Valley Inn's director of sales and marketing, said Friday the casino's insurance company authorized CVI to tear down the building, which was heavily damaged during a Dec. 11 fire.

Henderson said the motor lodge will be demolished to the concrete slab containing some undamaged plumbing.

Demolition will last between seven and 10 days, Henderson said.

CVI plans to rebuild the structure with the same plans used during its 1992 construction, except for code changes enacted since it was constructed. The lodge contained 76 rooms.

Henderson also expects a final cost estimate on the damage this week.

Workers welding inside the building accidentally started the fire while doing remodeling work inside the motel, according to East Fork Fire District officials.

The fire moved horizontally down a hidden plumbing chase to the building's center before spreading throughout the motor lodge's interior. The plumbing chase is an area in the building's center housing pipes.

Welders accidentally set fire to either a plastic drain pipe or paper backing on the building's insulation, the fire department said in December.

The Wennhold House, which serves as the motor lodge registration area, the adjacent hotel-casino, the Carson Valley Market and the Carson Valley RV Resort were not damaged during the fire.

No one was injured.

A damage estimate will likely include factors such as lost gaming revenue and lost room rental, Henderson said.