End of an era with implosion of Germantown high-rise
GERMANTOWN (WPVI) -- For some, it was an eyesore, for others, it was home but in just a matter of seconds, the Queen Lane Apartments became a part of the past when the 16-story high rise was imploded Saturday morning.
First is was the sound of dynamite.
The noise turned to cheers as the building, on the 300 block of West Queen Lane in Germantown, came crumbling down.
From Chopper 6 HD, you could see the impressive demolition that only took eight seconds.
Click to watch footage of the implosion from Chopper 6 HD
Residents who live directly around the site had to move to a comfort center during the demolition. The city also had multiple agencies on hand to ensure public safety.
Former residents lined up to watch the implosion Saturday morning.
"We lived there from 1991 to 2011, to see it go down today was bittersweet," said Joann Royster.
"It's unity. All these people, if they didn't live in the building, they came to visit us," said Lee Tonia Rowe.
Howard Scott moved to the 16th floor as a 9-year-old in 1955.
"It's like a part of you gone, that's sixty years," said Scott.
Over the years, the building became an eyesore and attracted drugs and crime. That's when the city decided to step in.
The city was ready to move forward in 2010, but they were halted after residents had concerns about ancient burial grounds that date back to the 1700s. However after an archaeological dig, the city found no human remains.
Now that the building is demolished, it will make room for big changes.
In a few weeks construction will start on low rise flats, walk ups and townhomes, to replace the high rise.
"In order for new life to start, there is always death before and this is a new life, new beginning for this area," said Brenda Jessie.
