The iconic Mandarin Oriental hotel in Miami, one of the most luxurious in the United States, was demolished this Sunday, after more than 25 years standing, to give way to a new, even more exclusive project.
The 23-story building was reduced in less than 20 seconds, in the largest implosion of its kind recorded in the city in the last decade.
The demolition did not require the evacuation of residents of the Brickell area, where the building stood, but neighbors were asked closest to them to remain in their homes, with doors and windows closed.
The new development, called The Residences at Mandarin Oriental and valued at $1 billion, will have two towers with apartments ranging from US$4.9 million to US$100 million.
It has already been sold 50% of the units in the south toweraccording to the promoters.
The complex, of 20,000 square meters, will dedicate more than 9,300 to common spaces and amenities, including 11 swimming pools, wellness areas with holistic treatments, meditation gardens, two fine dining restaurants, a private wine cellar and golf simulators.
Although the project includes a new 121-room Mandarin Oriental hotel, intended to be the brand’s flagship property in North America, Demolition marks the end of the historic Brickell establishment, opened 25 years agoin one of the most developed areas of Miami.
Will Smith, Penelope Cruz and the Real Madrid players were some of the guests of that hotel, according to the newspaper Miami Herald.