[Source: Sadie Jo Smokey, Arizona Republic] — At 10 a.m. Sunday, Lisa Kelly, owner of Advanced Explosives Demolition, will push a button. In 4.5 seconds, a bit of history at Third Street and Earll Drive will fall. Residents and businesses neighboring the site say good riddance. Last spring, workers removed the building’s windows, leaving a blighted skeleton of steel and concrete.
In 1972 when it was built, the Mountain Bell Plaza building was one of the first International Style glass-and-steel office high-rises in Phoenix. Designed by local architect Al Beadle, the building was a perfectly rectangular 10-story block of blackened glass. For 30 years, the building was home to Mountain Bell and Qwest Communications. Qwest moved out in 2003, and San Diego developer Joe Pinsonneault bought the building in mid-2004 for $12.5 million.
Jean Switzer lives with her elderly parents on Catalina Drive, one street south of the implosion site. As of Thursday, she said residents were confused and frustrated at the lack of communication and information about the impending implosion. “I haven’t received a flier,” Switzer said. “Nothing about how to prepare, what to expect. Should we stay in our homes? Should we seal our windows? These are things that take a long time.” Phoenix spokeswoman Deborah Sedillo Dugan said a reverse 911 call Saturday evening will alert residents of the blast. [Note: Read the full article at Midtown Phoenix high-rise set to be imploded 9/27.]
Downtown Voices Coalition 