Building torn down (finally) to clear space for Midtown project

The structure in Tampa crews had been trying to knock down for days was finally demolished on Tuesday.

  • Crews first tried to take down the building Sunday
  • Project clears land for Midtown Tampa redevelopment project
  • Construction to begin in 2019

Demolition of the five-story building was scheduled for Sunday morning and was slated to last 30 seconds. After several attempts to knock it down, the building barely budged.

For three days, crews continued working to knock it down, and finally just before 5 p.m. on Tuesday it came down exactly how they wanted it to.

“A great milestone and a great ending to the process,” said Fred Hames, the executive vice president of Barr & Barr.

The building was more than 30 years old. Taking it down is clearing land for Midtown Tampa, a $500 million redevelopment project. The mixed use space will feature restaurants, shopping, hotels and residential living areas.

The strength of the building shocked even crew members who have been in the business for years.

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