Dallas/Fort Worth Airport recently took a major step in its five-year expansion project with the explosive demolition of the Hyatt Regency Hotel West.

Built in 1965, the Hyatt Regency held the distinction of hosting five U.S. Presidents over the years and was reportedly one of the first hotels in the world to be built within an airport's boundaries.

From a demolition standpoint, the 12-story structure's proximity to active runways and terminals posed the biggest concern. Logistical issues related to dust and the restriction of airport activities during demolition operations also weighed heavily in the decision to implode the building.

Project Manager Austin Commercial hired NADC-member Cherry Demolition to level the site and remove the main structure, and Cherry subsequently contracted with NADC-member Dykon Blasting to perform the blasting operation. Cherry began demolition preparations this past July by selling off all furniture and other items of value. Workers then set about removing sheer walls, windows and facades in advance of drilling 1,200 holes in concrete columns throughout the building. Explosives experts at Dykon Blasting then loaded and wired 450 pounds of Orica Magnum explosives in multiple floors to facilitate a smooth and complete collapse.

Initially scheduled for September 15th, 2001 the implosion was to include a four-hour "Rock n' Rubble" party to raise money for local charities. However the blast and the party were postponed after the terrorist acts in New York and Washington. When the demolition was rescheduled for October, it was decided that the party would be inappropriate, so the event was closed off to all but a small handful of demolition and emergency response workers.

On October 7th at 12:15am, under substantial security and the dim fluorescent glow of portable work lights, a rapid succession of bright orange flashes emanated from within the hotel's dark voids as it melted gently downward into a cloud of cream-colored dust. The blast went off exactly as planned, and did justice to its title as the first American implosion to follow the World Trade Center attacks. Engineering teams from NADC-member Protec Documentation Services reported that all vibration and airblast levels were within acceptable limits, and no damage was reported to the adjacent American Airlines terminal or other structures.

The successful removal of the Hyatt Regency Hotel clears the way for construction to begin on International Terminal D, which will include 23 wide-body aircraft gates ands accommodate up to 13 million passengers annually. The new terminal will also include an integrated 300-room Grand Hyatt Hotel. Work is scheduled for completion in 2005.