Ocean Tower, LP
Challenge:
Construction of the Ocean Tower condominiums on South Padre Island, Texas, was halted in summer 2008 after it was determined the building experienced differential settlement of more than 14 inches, resulting in cracks in the beams and columns of the structure. Multiple engineering studies determined that the settling was the result of a flawed design, not the construction methods used. In the best interest of all parties involved, including the people of South Padre Island, Ocean Tower, LP, the owner of the 31‐story building, decided to demolish Ocean Tower through implosion.Strategy:
KGBTexas developed a message platform for Ocean Tower, LP to guide its public relations efforts in the four months leading up to the December 2009 demolition. With litigation pending against the project’s engineers, there were numerous sensitivities and information that could not be discussed in the media. KGBTexas worked with Ocean Tower, LP to craft messaging that deferred discussions away from the litigation and the cause of the building’s problems and instead focused on the upcoming demolition. KGBTexas developed a list of stakeholders, including local officials and nearby residents, and worked with the demolition company, Controlled Demolition Inc. (CDI), to keep these individuals informed of the demolition schedule. KGBTexas organized a stakeholder meeting two‐and‐a‐half months prior to the demolition during which CDI fielded questions regarding how the demolition would occur and the impact it would have on the island. This began an extensive relationship with the City of South Padre Island, which posted information (i.e., FAQs, demolition schedule) provided by Ocean Tower, LP on its website.Result:
On Dec. 13, 2009, Ocean Tower was safely demolished by implosion and set a new world record for tallest reinforced concrete building ever imploded. The demolition was watched by more than 2,000 individuals from the South Padre Island Convention Centre parking lot where KGBTexas helped organize a watch party. KGBTexas managed media relations for the event, coordinating interview opportunities with the builder’s owner and CDI’s president following the safe demolition.