Duluth's Radisson Hotel, with its 16-floor rounded tower and harbor view, has been scrambling to relocate thousands of guests with reservations after a March 13 water-main break caused flooding that will keep the popular inn closed until May 1.

"April is a very busy month with groups and conventions, and we've been working very well with other hotels to relocate banquets and guests," said Jeff Briner, who took over as general manager of the 268-room hotel seven months ago.

He said the hotel's 100 employees have been told to file for unemployment compensation during the shutdown. The pipe rupture below Superior Street flooded two basement floors, damaging electrical, mechanical, power and restaurant equipment. Repairs are underway, with vendors tracking down parts to get the landmark hotel open for spring and summer tourism. Briner said insurance coverage is expected to protect the hotel from financial hardship.

CURT BROWN

@stribcbrown