Video: Building of the Southwest imploded in Midland, Texas

The Building of the Southwest, an 85,000-square-foot complex in Midland, Texas, was imploded March 13, the Midland Reporter-Telegram reported. The building, which originally housed First State Bank when it was completed in 1964 before being occupied by Bank of the Southwest in 1967, stood empty for decades in the city’s downtown area before its demolition.  

“After decades of an empty building, we are thrilled to remove this eyesore,” Midland Mayor Jerry Morales said in a statement. “This is a milestone in our efforts to revitalize and renew the heart of downtown.”

The cost of the implosion, which was undertaken by Hurst, Texas-based Midwest Wrecking Co. of Texas, was $1.4 million. There were $128,000 in contingencies. The project included interior demolition, removal of an adjacent two-story structure, and removal of exterior trim.

Midland-based Vandergriff Group Architects oversaw the abatement and demolition work on the project. The agreement was for $326,000. Advanced Environmental Services, Odessa, Texas, handled the asbestos removal on the site.

There are currently no plans for what will be built on the site after cleanup is completed.

Watch the video of the implosion courtesy of OilFlyOne: