[Urbannizer]

Swire Properties to Implode Former Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key This Sunday

Swire Properties is scheduled to conduct the controlled implosion of the former 23-story Mandarin Oriental, Miami at 8:30 a.m. this Sunday, April 12, bringing down the hotel and its adjacent parking structure in what the developer is describing as the largest implosion event in Miami in more than a decade.

The operation follows nearly two years of planning and coordination with specialized contractors and the City of Miami. Swire said implosion was selected as the safest and most efficient demolition method after evaluation with BG Group, Controlled Demolition Inc., Moss Construction, Pepper Engineering Group, and Thornton Tomasetti in collaboration with city officials.

The developer cited worker safety, minimized disruption to Brickell Key and surrounding areas, and adherence to the construction schedule as the determining factors. The hotel, which opened in 2000 at 500 Brickell Key Drive, closed permanently on May 31, 2025. Post-implosion remarks are expected from Swire Properties President Dave Martin, Vice President of Construction Jessica Chen, and BG Group Managing Member Ivy Fradin.