Sunday I went to the Kansas City Public Library for a presentation on the 30th anniversary of the Hyatt Regency Hotel disaster. I had wanted to tour the library, so this was the perfect occasion.
The central library (one of 10 locations) is housed in the former First National Bank building. In 1999 plans developed to take over the bank's space at 10th and Baltimore Streets. The century old building, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship with its marble columns, bronze doors and ornate mouldings, required a 5th floor addition, but provided the framework for a modern and impressive urban library.
The panel, which included the first doctor and policeman on the scene, along with memorial founders whose parents died in the disaster, and book signing presentation retold a sad chapter in the history of Kansas City.
On July 17, 1981 approximately 1,600 people gathered in the hotel's atrium to participate in or watch a dance competition. Dozens stood on the 2nd and 4th floor walkways. A construction flaw caused the 4th floor walkway to collapse onto the 2nd floor walkway which then fell onto the lobby floor below, resulting in 111 immediate deaths and 216 injuries. About $140 million in lawsuits and settlements was awarded to victims and their families.
The accident is not marked in any way in the hotel, and in 2008 the Skywalk Memorial Foundation announced plans to build a memorial fountain about a block from the hotel.
