By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – A 40-year-old, 14-story building in Buffalo was imploded Saturday morning to make way for future expansion of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
The former medical tower at 50 High Street tumbled down without incident at 6:08am. Kaleida Health President James Kaskie, who pushed the button to start the detonation, told WBFO News he was surprised at the percussive force of the implosion.
The building constructed in 1965 was once home to a variety of medical offices and clinics.
Officials say the Memorial Day weekend was chosen for the implosion because it would reduce the impact on nearby medical facilities and the neighborhood.
There are no specific development plans for the site. For now, Kaskie said it will be used for parking for the nearby Buffalo General Hospital.