Ponce Circle Developers LLC made history when they hosted an implosion of 2801 Ponce, a 13-story office building in Coral Gables. With 90 pounds of explosives, Dykon Blasting Corp. brought down a significant portion of the city’s first high-rise and followed it up with an additional 20 pounds of explosive material to completely demolish the building the following morning. In its place will be the 16-story Ponce de Leon Towers by The Allen Morris Company, integrated into the separately owned Old Spanish Village, a $350 million new urbanism development.

Area residents, members of the press, police and fire rescue, city officials and members of the development team watched from a secured area during the blast. A private VIP breakfast was held across the street at Christy’s following the event.

Jim Redyke of Dykon Explosive Demolition Corp. explained that the center section of the building proved more durable than anticipated, requiring a second blast.

Ponce Circle Developers is a joint venture between Ralph Sanchez and the regional development firm Mas Group.