Photos and video show the moment the former headquarters of Bethlehem Steel came tumbling to the ground in an implosion
A demolition crew imploded the former headquarters of Bethlehem Steel on Sunday, bringing 16,000 tons of steel to the ground in a matter of seconds.
Crowds gathered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to watch the demolition of Martin Tower on Sunday, which was the area's tallest building at 21 stories.
Martin Tower opened in 1972, at the height of Bethlehem Steel's power and profitability, but had stood vacant since America's second-largest steelmaker went out of business in 2001.
Explosives took out Martin Tower's steel supports and crumpled the 47-year-old building, which had earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places despite its relatively young age.
The implosion, which took 16 seconds, created a thick plume of dust that lingered for several minutes.
Martin Tower's current owners spent years trying to redevelop the 332-foot structure, but ultimately concluded it made more economic sense to knock it down and start over.
Plans call for a $200 million development with medical offices, retail stores, a restaurant, a convenience store, a hotel, and 528 apartments.
Bethlehem Steel was a major supplier of ships and armaments to the US military during World War II, and its steel is found in the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge and many other landmarks.
The company's flagship Bethlehem mill, less than 2 miles from Martin Tower, was redeveloped into a casino and entertainment destination 10 years ago.
Watch video of the implosion below:
Youtube Embed: //www.youtube.com/embed/v0qUq7IRmos Width: 560px Height: 315px
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