AP) — A landmark luxury hotel on one of Miami’s most exclusive waterfront enclaves was demolished Sunday in a controlled implosion, clearing the way for a multibillion-dollar redevelopment project.

Demolition crews brought down the former Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key, a man-made island at the mouth of the Miami River, in what officials described as the city’s largest implosion in more than a decade. Thousands of onlookers watched as the 23-story structure collapsed within seconds following a blast shortly after 8:30 a.m.

The hotel, which opened in 2000 and closed in 2025 after roughly 25 years of operation, had long been a fixture of Miami’s luxury hospitality scene, hosting celebrities, international visitors and high-profile events.

Developers said the implosion marked a major milestone in a long-planned transformation of the site. The property will be replaced by The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a two-tower ultra-luxury development expected to be completed by 2030.

The new project will feature a smaller, more exclusive hotel alongside hundreds of high-end residential units, reflecting a broader shift in Miami’s real estate market toward ultra-luxury living. Plans include a new Mandarin Oriental hotel with about 120 rooms, private residences, multiple pools, a large shared amenities podium, and high-end dining and wellness facilities.

The redevelopment is being led by Swire Properties, which has owned much of Brickell Key for decades and is investing heavily in the site as part of a larger vision to transform the island into a premier luxury destination.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL MIAMI DEMOLITION pic.twitter.com/2KJXj4ahL0

— Joel Franco (@OfficialJoelF) April 12, 2026

Officials said the implosion followed nearly two years of planning, including safety coordination, structural preparation and the establishment of a security perimeter around the island. Controlled demolition was selected as the safest and most efficient method to remove the structure while minimizing disruption to nearby residents and businesses.

The project also reflects broader trends in South Florida’s booming luxury market, where demand from wealthy domestic and international buyers has driven record-breaking sales, including multimillion-dollar pre-construction condo deals at the site.

With the demolition complete, developers are expected to begin the next phase of construction in the coming months.