By Angela Hatton
Paducah, KY – Demolition and liquidation contractors are touring the Executive Inn today ahead of bids to tear down the hotel. Contractors will raze the Big E starting in October. The demolition includes the former Silver Saddle Saloon restaurant. It does not include the Julian Carroll Convention Center. Convention and Expo Center Director Patrick Kerr says half his phone calls are questions about his building coming down.
"That is a huge misconception. The hotel is coming down. That is exactly right. The convention center just underwent a four million dollar renovation and is absolutely not coming down. And furthermore is open for business and ready to book."
The convention center had been closed temporarily when ownership of the hotel was still under dispute. Bids open June 24 for liquidation and demolition contractors. Liquidation sales begin August 2, and officials hope to clear the entire hotel site by March.