FARGO (KFGO) – Thousands were on hand in downtown Fargo to watch as the Lashkowitz High Rise was imploded Saturday morning.
The 248-unit apartment building housed people beginning in 1971, but was plagued with many issues, making demolition necessary.
Sen. John Hoeven and Mayor Tim Mahoney each pushed a button to set a series of blasts in motion that could be heard as far away as Horace and Sabin.
Hoeven said the implosion was synchronized perfectly. Both he and Mahoney agreed the process was impressive.
“John and I were concerned, ‘is it going to fall a little bit forward and block off the street or anything?’ Those guys are precision,” Mahoney said.
Hoeven said they were surprised with how contained the rubble pile was.
“We thought it would be more spread out [it’s] almost like it’s smaller than the building itself,” Hoeven said.
City commissioner Denise Kolpack was also on hand for the implosion. She said the demolition Saturday was a joint effort between the City of Fargo and the demolition team.
“They really did collaborate and work together,” Kolpack said. “Even this morning, watching the fire department, the police department, Sanford Ambulance. It was just amazing to watch the coordination.”
Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority CEO Chris Brungardt said even the weather cooperated.
Demolition of the 52-year-old Lashkowitz High Rise makes way for a new affordable housing facility. Construction on that project will begin early next year.
From left: Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, Fargo Commissioner Denise Kolpack, Sen. John Hoeven, Chris Brungardt
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