The hotel on Brickell Key was demolished Sunday in a controlled implosion to make way for something even bigger, according to developers.
MIAMI — A 23-story hotel in Miami was brought to the ground in under 20 seconds during a controlled implosion Sunday.
Spectators lined the waterfront across the bay at a safe distance to watch the planned demolition of the former Mandarin Oriental.
The hotel first opened 25 years ago on Brickell Key, which is a human-made island at the mouth of the Miami River.
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.
The operation follows nearly two years of planning and coordination with specialized contractors and the city, developers said.
Implosion was selected as the safest and most efficient method to maintain the project timeline while minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety of the Brickell Key community.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.