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Controlled Demolition, Inc.

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Controlled Demolition, Inc.
Company typePrivate
IndustryDemolition
Founded1940s
FounderJack Loizeaux
Headquarters
Phoenix, Maryland
,
United States
Key people
Mark Loizeaux (President)
ProductsControlled demolition services

Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI) is a specialist firm in controlled demolition based in Phoenix, Maryland. The company was established by Jack Loizeaux, who initially applied dynamite to clear tree stumps around the Baltimore, Maryland region before progressing to the demolition of chimneys, overpasses, and smaller structures during the 1940s. CDI has been responsible for numerous prominent demolitions such as the Gettysburg National Tower, Seattle's Kingdome, the Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure, and the remaining section of the Champlain Towers South condominium. Known for undertaking projects deemed highly challenging or nearly impossible, CDI showcased exceptional expertise in the safe dismantling of Kingda Ka in 2025 and the Kingdome in 2000.

Records

In 1998, CDI achieved several world records: On June 23, they brought down the 1,201-foot Omega Tower Trelew in Argentina, setting the record for "the tallest manmade structure ever demolished using explosives"; On August 16, they imploded 17 buildings simultaneously within Puerto Rico's Villa Panamericana and Las Orquideas complexes—establishing the record for "the greatest number of buildings demolished in a single implosion sequence"; and on October 24, they demolished Detroit’s J. L. Hudson Department Store, recognized as the "tallest building and tallest structural steel building ever imploded" as well as the "largest single building imploded" at .

Old Sunshine Skyway Bridge

In 1990, CDI’s parent company, Hardaway Company, was awarded a contract by FDOT to dismantle all steel and concrete components of the original Sunshine Skyway bridge spans. This undertaking involved removing underwater piles and piers along with surface girders and beams. To reduce interruptions at the busy Port of Tampa, the central portion of the bridge was removed whole. Most of the concrete debris was recycled to create an artificial reef near the southbound approach, promoting environmental sustainability alongside infrastructure renewal; remaining unused bridge approaches were taken down in 2008.

Alfred P. Murrah Building, Oklahoma City

On May 23, 1995, CDI carried out the demolition of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building following its destruction by bombing on April 19, 1995.

The Seattle Kingdome

Utilizing 4,450 pounds of dynamite and 21.6 miles of detonation cord over a four-month period, CDI demolished Seattle’s Kingdome concrete roof on March 26, 2000—in a precise operation lasting just 16.8 seconds. This $9 million project incorporated a carefully timed delay sequence to fragment the roof and earth berms to cushion debris impact. The Kingdome implosion set a record as the largest volume structure ever demolished with explosives without causing damage to nearby foundations for a new stadium.

Gettysburg National Tower

On July 3, 2000, Controlled Demolition, Inc. executed a complimentary demolition of the Gettysburg National Tower on behalf of the National Park Service. The tower was brought down using only 12 pounds of explosives before an audience numbering approximately 10,000.

World Trade Center Site

Eleven days following the events of September 11, 2001, on September 22, CDI presented an initial cleanup proposal for the World Trade Center site. President Mark Loizeaux emphasized the importance of safeguarding the slurry wall, known as "The Bathtub," which served as a barrier against flooding from the Hudson River. This highlighted his strategic approach to overseeing this intricate recovery operation.

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Space Launch Complex 40

Between late 2007 and early 2008, the tower was taken apart. On April 27, 2008, the Mobile Service Structure (MSS) was brought down through a controlled explosion. This demolition paved the way for SpaceX rocket launches and was featured in a program on the National Geographic Channel.

Martin Tower

Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Martin Tower was a 21-story building that once served as Bethlehem Steel’s headquarters and stood as the tallest structure in the city. It was imploded on May 19, 2019, with demolition costs reported at $575,000.

Champlain Towers South

Following the partial collapse of this 12-story condominium near Miami Beach on June 24, 2021, the company was hired to demolish the remaining structure. Due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Elsa, the demolition was accelerated and executed on July 4, 2021, after just one day of preparation. Originally anticipated to require several weeks, the controlled demolition was essential because of structural instability and hazards faced by rescue personnel. The process was carefully planned to avoid the original collapse area to prevent any premature structural failure.

Other projects

Ferrybridge Power Station subcontracted by Keltbray Decommissioning

Chimney at Alma Station

Sheraton Crossroads Hotel in Mahwah, New Jersey[2]

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