Glass Gone from Posh Austin Hotel

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ A posh new 37-story hotel in downtown Austin is scheduled to reopen Saturday, almost two weeks after glass panels falling from its upper floors prompted its closing.

A Thursday statement says that once city inspectors review the reports of an independent engineering firm, the W Austin Hotel restaurant and bars will reopen, followed by guest rooms.

The hotel closed June 28, seven months after its grand opening, after six glass panels fell from the facings of balconies on the hotel’s upper floors over the previous two days. Five cars parked on the street below were damaged, but no injuries were reported.

Two other panels fell June 10, causing minor injuries to four people.

The Thursday statement says all 1,000 glass panels have been removed from the hotel balconies.

    
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