Controlled demolition brings down luxury Miami hotel in seconds

The implosion of the former Mandarin Oriental will make way for an even larger building on the property.

The Mandarin Oriental Miami was demolished in a controlled implosion on April 12, 2026, clearing the way for the $1 billion-plus One Island Drive redevelopment on Brickell Key. The 23-story hotel, which opened in 2000, was brought down in approximately 20 seconds during a tightly coordinated operation led by Swire Properties.

The 23-story Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a premier luxury destination overlooking Biscayne Bay, collapsed in a controlled implosion that lasted less than 20 seconds. The demolition is being described as the largest building implosion in Miami in over a decade. The cleared site will host The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a two-tower development combining a new hotel and high-end residences, scheduled for completion in 2030.

The 23-story Mandarin Oriental hotel on Brickell Key in Miami was demolished in a controlled implosion, marking the city's largest such operation in over a decade. The building collapsed in under 20 seconds, making way for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a luxury two-tower development expected to be completed by 2030.

The demolition of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Brickell Key was the largest implosion in Miami in over a decade. Residents within 800 feet were advised to stay indoors during the blast. The site will be redeveloped into The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a two-tower luxury development scheduled for completion in 2030.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Brickell Key was demolished to make way for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a two-tower ultra-luxury development scheduled for completion in 2030. The demolition was the largest in Miami in over a decade, with residents within 800 feet advised to stay indoors during the blast.