The western end of downtown Miami, Florida is starting to get some much-needed revitalization.
According to News4Jax, the upcoming MetroCenter project is “being billed as one of the biggest and most ambitious urban redevelopment schemes in the country.”
Before that work can begin, old buildings need to be cleared out.
Initial Phases of MetroCenter in Miami
The former Miami-Dade county office building located at 140 W Flagler Street was vacant due to structural issues and needed to be razed. The 15-story building was originally built in 1975. This is one of the first properties being cleared to make way for MetroCenter in Miami, Florida. ISI Demolition removed the top 10 floors of the building.
MetroCenter is a proposed $10 billion redevelopment project in downtown Miami. The project would transform 17 acres of county-owned land into a mixed-use district with residential, commercial, and civic space. The project is expected to create 20,000 jobs and generate $2 billion in tax revenue for Miami-Dade County.
The MetroCenter project, which is expected to take 10-15 years to complete, is still in the early planning stages with developers preparing proposals.
MetroCenter is expected to include the following:
- A new downtown Miami transit terminal that will serve Brightline, Metrorail, Metromover, and future Tri-Rail service.
- New facilities for Miami-Dade main library and HistoryMiami museum.
- A K-12 school and day care center.
- 2.5 acres of open space.
- Minimum 2,000 units of affordable and workforce housing units.
Demolition will play a pivotal role in the revitalization of downtown Miami. Many of the buildings in the area no longer meet the demands of urban modern life. ISI Demolition has the capabilities to support complex structural demolition, architectural demolition, and full building razes in Miami and throughout the eastern seaboard.
The Role of Demolition in the Revitalization of Metropolitan Centers
Outdated or derelict structures in city centers can be safety hazards, economically stagnant, or simply misaligned with modern urban demands. By demolishing these buildings, cities can free up valuable land, paving the way for infrastructure renewal, economic revitalization, and improved urban design. This process not only boosts local economies by attracting new businesses and residents but also addresses urban decay, allows for environmental upgrades, and enhances the overall quality of urban life. The transformation can stimulate both domestic and foreign investment, fostering a more prosperous and vibrant metropolitan environment.
When approached thoughtfully and strategically, demolition facilitates growth, prosperity, and a higher quality of urban life. Contact ISI Demolition to learn more about how we can help expedite redevelopment and improve your market position.
Demolition on Flagler Street in Miami
ISI Demolition was contracted for the structural demolition of the top ten floors of the 15-story building at 140 W Flagler Street in downtown Miami. The demolition required intense planning and engineering to protect adjacent buildings, the Metrorail, demolition crews, and pedestrians. The project took five months to complete.
Quick Facts
- Timing: February 2023 – June 2023
- Estimated Manhours: 41,680
- 180,000 square foot building
- Partner: Maxim Crane
- Location: 140 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130
Overcoming Obstacles during Busy Downtown Miami Demolition
Performing demolition in busy metropolitan areas requires extra precautions and safety measures to protect nearby properties and pedestrians. The building at 140 W Flagler was particularly challenging due to the proximity of many obstacles:
- A high-rise Bank of America building within one foot of the structure
- Active sidewalks on two sides with heavy pedestrian traffic
- A one-story restaurant servicing customers
- A highly-traveled Metrorail within the critical footprint of the work area
- Fragile underground utilities located below the work area
In addition to these challenges, the building itself was plagued by structural issues that limited how demolition could proceed. ISI Demolition’s ability to identify these weaknesses and compensate for it was critical to preservation of life and a successful demolition.
ISI Demolition also had to manage overnight working hours for noise ordinances and temporary restrictions from music festivals. Despite all these challenges, both predicted and unforeseen, ISI Demolition completed the job on-time.
Tackling Complex Demolition with Sophistication and Expertise
Projects like this building in Miami showcase the level of sophistication that ISI Demolition provides it’s customers. Our team is able to efficiently tackle complex demolition projects with precision and speed. This expertise provides a seamless transition for developers and general contractors to continue their redevelopment efforts quickly.
To meet the demands on this project, our teams worked around the clock and utilized a variety of demolition techniques to overcome the challenges, including:
- Utilizing a 350 ton crawler crane with a 400′ boom to remove precast panels, concrete beams, and columns
- Extensive rigging of large pieces of concrete to prevent loads from being superimposed on the building structure during removal
- Shoring floor structures to support the weight of our robotic demolition equipment
- Wire sawing of major structural components
- Extensive netting to prevent debris from dropping to areas below
- Removal of architectural features prior to the dismantling of structural components
- Utilization of the existing elevator shaft for the removal of debris from the first floor of the building
- Performing all noisy work between the hours of 6pm to 6am
- Shoring underground utility structures to support the weight of the crane
From the proximity to other buildings to the weaknesses in the structure, the challenges of this project were immeasurable. ISI Demolition is one of the only demolition companies in the United States with the expertise and equipment to tackle a project of this complexity and liability.
“In the world of demolition, projects like this one in Miami present a unique set of challenges. The building’s deterioration over the years and its proximity to other structures were major obstacles. However, at ISI Demolition, our deep understanding of structural nuances and our expertise in implementing rigorous safety measures are what set us apart. We not only recognize and address structural issues with precision but also ensure the utmost protection of life and property.“
Paul Harkins
Executive Vice President, ISI Demolition
Sorting and Recycling to Protect the Environment
ISI Demolition takes protecting the environment seriously and is committed to doing our part to reduce our environmental impact. For this Miami, Florida demolition project, our team achieved a 90% diversion rate.
Tons of Total Waste
%
Diversion Rate
Increasing Support & Reducing Risk with In-House Shoring and Bracing
ISI Demolition employs experienced engineers and specialized crews for the planning and installation of shoring and bracing. Our in-house shoring and bracing were utilized on this project to build support for demolition equipment and protect nearby structures. This provides our team with complete control over the timeline and helps control the budget.
Demolition Services Provided
PreConstruction Services
Our project managers and executives walked the site with the developer and carefully reviewed project drawings before finalizing the project sequence. This ensures the job is executed effectively and efficiently.
Structural Demolition
ISI Demolition removed the top ten floors of the 15-story building. Our team carefully dismantled the structure and sorted debris while maintaining a safe and clean worksite.
Saw Cutting
This project required extensive wire sawing of major structural components to prepare them for removal.
Robotic Demolition
Brokk robotics were utilized to remove floor slabs and interior structural components.
ISI Demolition: Mastering Complexity with Precision and Expertise
When it comes to precision, expertise, and a commitment to safety, ISI Demolition leads the way. As highlighted in this recent dowtown Miami project, we have an unparalleled ability to navigate complex environments, ensuring every challenge is met with meticulous planning and execution. From handling 20,000 lb panels suspended 170’ in the air to completing intricate tasks within tight deadlines, our dedication never wavers.
If you seek excellence in demolition, ensuring every detail is managed with the utmost professionalism, trust ISI Demolition.
Put our demolition expertise to work for you.
