Western Illinois University dormitory implodes successfully

An implosion of a residence hall at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, was successful on the morning of July 1. According to a report on Tri States Public Radio, Higgins Hall was opened in 1967 and cost $7.3 million to build. To renovate the hall to “like-new standards” would have reportedly cost the university $48 million.

Hundreds of people gathered to witness the implosion conducted by Spirtas Wrecking Co., St. Louis. David Gaines, site supervisor told the radio station that the implosion went as planned and the debris stayed inside the fenced off area. FEH Design, which has offices in Iowa and Wisconsin, helped plan the demolition.

Higgins Hall, which stood at 20 stories tall, was tallest building on the Macomb campus. According to the article, debris cleanup from the implosion will take around four months. The site where the hall stood will become greenspace.

Click below to watch a video of the implosion.