Mandarin Oriental Imploded to Make Way for Residences
PUBLISHED Apr 12, 2026, 12:49 AM ET
Read, Watch or Listen
Miami — Demolition experts conducted a controlled implosion of the 23-story former Mandarin Oriental hotel on Brickell Key on Sunday, April 12, at about 8:30 a.m., officials and developer Swire Properties said. The building, opened 25 years earlier, marked Miami’s largest implosion in more than a decade and followed nearly two years of planning with specialized contractors and city coordination to minimize disruption and ensure safety. Officials and Swire Properties said the demolition clears the site for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a two-tower ultraluxury hotel and residential development scheduled for completion in 2030; the developer cited schedule and safety reasons for choosing implosion. Residents within 800 feet were asked to remain indoors during the blast, and spectators watched and recorded the collapse this morning.
By Ayesha A. | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Approximately 25 years ago: Mandarin Oriental hotel on Brickell Key opens.
- Nearly two years before April 12: Developers and city coordinate planning and safety protocols for demolition.
- April 12 (Sunday) at about 8:30 a.m.: Controlled implosion of the 23-story building is executed.
- Seconds after blast: Building collapses in under 20 seconds and dust filled the area; spectators recorded the event.
- Post-implosion: Site cleared for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental development, targeted for completion in 2030.
News Intelligence
- This implosion is a sign of Miami's evolving skyline. If you live or work in the area, expect construction noise and potential traffic disruptions for the next decade. Check city updates for any changes to your daily commute.
- Articles Published:
- 5
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 5
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
Swire Properties and prospective luxury condominium buyers will benefit from the redevelopment, while the city may gain increased tax revenues and larger commercial valuation of the Brickell Key area.
Nearby residents and small local businesses experienced temporary disruption, dust exposure, restricted movement during the implosion, and short-term access limitations.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
No left-leaning sources found for this story.
From Center
Mandarin Oriental Imploded to Make Way for Residences
Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer WRAL AsiaOne 2 News Nevada Los Angeles TimesFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
Comments