After years of disuse and neglect, the Ben Milam Hotel — built in 1928 as a 10-story, 250-room, air-conditioned haven for travelers — came down dramatically on Sunday afternoon in a well-choreographed implosion.
Dozens of Houstonians and demolition enthusiasts turned up to watch, and Mayor Annise Parker herself fired the charge. Following a drum roll of dynamite blasts, the historic building collapsed in a cloud of dust.
Once cleared, the Minute Maid Park-adjacent lot is slated for an eight-story, 380-unit apartment complex to be developed by The Finger Companies, with price points starting around $1,250. Construction is expected to start in the spring.
KHOU had a crew on-site to capture Sunday's demolition. Watch the full video below:
