‘A new chapter in Jacksonville’s life’: Berkman Plaza II implosion complete

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Community members were finally able to say “Bye bye Berkman II” Saturday, after an implosion left the high-rise in a pile of pieces.

The building sat empty for nearly 15 years, and many in the community shared they are thrilled the downtown eyesore has come down after a series of delays.

Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Gaffney shared his excitement for the city after receiving numerous calls over the years.

“This is probably the best day of my life,” Gaffney said.

Gaffney said this implosion was a promise he made when he first got elected. While looking forward to what’s next, he wanted to take the time to pay his respects to a tragedy that happened nearly 15 years ago.

In 2007, the six-story garage under construction for the Berkman Plaza II collapsed, killing Willie Edwards III and hurting 23 others.

“Often, I run into a family member and they always say ‘Councilman Gaffney, when are you going to bring this structure down? My family has to live this every time we come downtown.’”

Rosemarie Matthews lives at the Berkman Plaza I, the building directly behind what was the Berkman Plaza II.

“It’s fitting that it should come down,” Matthews said. “It really is. It’s just a monument of sadness right now.”

Matthews said the first thing she plans to do after the implosion is to check on her condo but that’s not all.

“I’m going to check on Elvis,” Matthews said. “That’s my car. I’m going to go check on Elvis to make sure he’s good.”

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Hundreds cheered, clapped and waved goodbye to the building as they watched the Berkman Plaza II come tumbling down.

Action News Jax asked 7-year-old Cash Hamburg how he felt watching the implosion.

“It was crazy,” Hamburg said.

Jordan Lawson agreed and shared what his favorite part of the day was.

“All of the smoke,” Lawson said.

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His grandmother Antrelle Brown said she has lived in Jacksonville all her life.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what’s there and spending more time on that side of the river,” Brown said. “It’s amazing to see the progress that we’re making.

Now, neighbors wonder what comes next for the property.

Some plans include a new 50-story tower with hundreds of townhomes, condos, retail and possibly a hotel.

Nothing is set in stone yet but many can agree this demolition is a relief for the riverfront.

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The implosion brought together community members from near and far.

Loree Murphy and Dennis Tyler drove more than 60 miles, from Hampton, to watch Sunday’s implosion.

“We’ve been trying to keep up with it on the news, and every time it gets canceled,” Murphy said. Here we are.”

Murphy said she has a brother in Texas whom she’s videotaping the implosion for.

“This is history,” Tyler said. “I can’t wait to see it go down.”

The Jacksonville City Council has spent $1.2 million in city funds to demolish the Berkman Plaza II.

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Action News Jax asked Councilman Gaffney what he would like to say to those who have waited a long time for this day to come.

“I want to thank you as your leader for District 7 from the bottom of my heart because of your patience right now,” Gaffney said. “Thank you. I love you. The best is yet to come.”

Steve Pece is the president of Pece of Mind Environmental, the company that led the demolition. He said 1200 charges of dynamite were used to bring the Berkman Plaza II down.

“We’re very excited to have this project finally completed,” Pece said.

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Action News Jax was told there was no significant damage to any surrounding buildings, but it could take up to three weeks to clear debris from the area after Sunday’s implosion.

“Bring her down: A new chapter in Jacksonville’s life,” Matthews said.

Below are the renderings for the building that will take the place of the Berkman Plaza II:

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