Community Corner
Workers Begin Asbestos Removal, Tearing Roof Off San Gorgonio Inn
Work on the roof of the Mayfair Room started shortly 7 a.m. Wednesday across from Banning City Hall.
Workers started tearing the roof off the aged landmark San Gorgonio Inn and removing asbestos from the condemned structure shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday.
The workers put on white plastic coveralls and wore masks to protect themselves from asbestos particles. Signs posted around the work site across Ramsey Street from City Hall warned of the dangers:
"CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD
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KEEP OUT
AUTHORIZED
Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
PERSONNEL ONLY
RESPIRATORS AND
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
ARE REQUIRED
IN THIS AREA."
A foreman at the site Wednesday morning said asbestos removal will continue through Thursday.
The inn first opened in Banning more than 125 years ago and guests included President Grover Cleveland in 1888, according to historians.
The City Council voted 5-0 in January to approve a contractor's bid to demolish the inn and the old West Coast Electric building across Alessandro Street for no more than $99,000.
The inn is scheduled to be leveled on Monday.
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