It was 29 August 2005 when a reported 40ft wave from Hurricane Katrina slammed into the facility, demolishing the level where the casino, nightclub and theatre were located. All production gear was reportedly destroyed and unusable, including all the HES DL.1s, which had recently been installed. The hotel was closed for massive repairs.
After a re-design and renovation, the hotel's 17,000sq.ft Magnolia Ballroom opens with 28 HES DL.2s, 64 Studio Beams, 12 Studio Spot 575s, 12 Studio Color 575s, four Intellabeams and two Wholehog 3 consoles running 5 DP (Data Processor) 2000s.
The Camelia Room features a Catalyst Media Server and 16 Studio Beams, 16 Studio Spot 575s and 16 Studio Color 575s, controlled with a Wholehog 2. The Brew Pub (a live venue and nightclub) is outfitted with 24 Studio Commands, 12 Studio Color 575s and 32 Technobeams, run by a Wholehog 3 console. A total of five Wholehog 3 consoles are in use throughout the hotel's entertainment facilities.
(Lee Baldock)
