Miami Skyscraper Demolished in Controlled Implosion

Miami Landmark Demolished in Controlled Implosion

MIAMI (AP) — A significant milestone marked the demolition of the former Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key, a human-made island at the mouth of the Miami River, across from downtown. The 23-story building, which opened 25 years ago, collapsed in less than 20 seconds following blasts that occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The demolition, which was the largest implosion for Miami in more than a decade, was carried out by demolition experts who had spent nearly two years planning and coordinating the operation with specialized contractors and the city. The controlled implosion was chosen as the safest and most efficient method to maintain the project timeline while minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety of the Brickell Key community.

According to Swire Properties, the demolition will make way for the groundbreaking of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a two-tower ultraluxury hotel and residential development scheduled for completion in 2030. Residents within 800 feet (244 meters) of the building were asked to stay inside their apartments during the blast with windows and doors closed.

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The implosion was a spectacle that drew onlookers who watched safely from afar, cheering and recording phone videos as the building's framework collapsed following a series of rapid charges. Dust soon filled the air as building material crashed down, prompting some watchers to wear face masks as they left the area. The implosion happened a couple of minutes after what looked and sounded like blue- and pink-tinted fireworks were set off near the top of the building.

Note: The table above compares the implosion of the former Mandarin Oriental, Miami with a previous implosion in Miami in 2012.