Mandarin Oriental Miami imploded

Crowds gathered to watch the spectacular demolition, which makes way for a new ultra-luxury hotel and residential high-rise development.

Swire Properties, the developer behind the project, stated that the implosion was necessary to begin construction on 'The Residences at Mandarin Oriental.' The event was captured in high-definition video and shared widely across social media.

While some residents expressed nostalgia for the former skyline staple, city officials welcomed the investment in the exclusive waterfront locale.