@May Day 10
I agree w your post, but I don’t totally blame Rigas. The city & county had plenty of time to do something besides let it sit and rot. They were too busy chasing that Bass Pro boondoggle and had no plan B.
I always though it should have been at least partially incorporated into the overall Canalside plan. I do understand there was no saving or repurposing the entire building, mostly due to hazmat concerns, including asbestos and lead paint.
However I thought they should have preserved the front facade in place, similar to what they did at the Old Rockpile. It would have made a great signature gateway to Canalside, and also as a memorial to the Aud itself. Not to mention the historical and architectural significance of EB Green & Wicks art deco style.