A team of engineers, contractors, and construction workers imploded the former Mandarin Hotel in Miami on April 12. The demolition of the well-known Brickell Key property marks a significant change in the city’s real estate landscape as developers continue to replace older buildings with new luxury condominium towers.
The Mandarin Hotel, designed by RTKL and opened in November 2000, closed nearly a year ago. Swire Properties, which developed much of Brickell Key, has long planned this redevelopment. In place of the hotel, Swire is building a two-tower luxury condo and hotel project that will also carry the Mandarin name. According to the developer, two penthouses have already been presold for nearly $50 million each—potentially setting a Miami record at $6,300 per square foot—and total sales volume has surpassed $1.3 billion so far. Unit prices range from $4.9 million to $100 million.
The new project is expected to be completed by 2030. Alongside this development, Brickell Key will undergo a multimillion-dollar seawall replacement project following concerns raised by residents last year about safety related to the implosion.
Implosions like this are now rare in Miami’s development market and it is uncommon for such a young building—at just under 26 years old—to be torn down. The former bayfront hotel was home to popular venues such as MO bar and La Mar restaurant and had been regarded as one of Miami’s top luxury hotels and spas for years.
Looking ahead, more redevelopment may occur on Brickell Key with reports circulating about potential condo buyouts nearby on the island.
