English: On Thursday afternoon, May 30, 2019, demolition took place of the last of six buildings being removed to make way for the construction of the new Maswik South lodging.

Demolition was the first stage in Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C.'s commitment to rebuild the Maswik South lodging complex and construct new roads in the vicinity. The original buildings were constructed in 1971 and had exceeded their expected useful life. The project to replace them will cost approximately $30 million. Four new ADA compliant buildings will be built in the existing site footprint along with road, pedestrian, and other site improvements. The 90 basic rooms will be replaced with 120 mid-scale rooms, 30 of which will have kitchenettes (a room type not currently available in the park).

The purpose of the project is to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles in the Maswik South area and provide sustainable lodging within the existing site footprint that meets visitor needs and expectations. Other existing infrastructure at Maswik South, such as sidewalks and roads, are also aging, in poor condition, or not compliant with current laws, codes and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

In October 2018, the National Park Service (NPS) completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Maswik South rebuild and new road construction project. This EA, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), evaluated alternatives and analyzed the impacts that would likely result from implementing the alternatives. Public comments received during a 30-day public comment period were used in preparation of the Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The FONSI was signed by Kate Hammond, Acting Regional Director for the Intermountain Region of the NPS on February 14, 2019.

Image: Two workers wearing helmets and safety vests, are watching an excavtor demolish one end of a two-story, wood frame lodge building. NPS/M.Quinn