WATCH LIVE: Centennial Mills Water Tower Obliterated in Seconds
Portland’s Centennial Mills Building Set for Explosive Demolition Monday
What’s Happening?
Portland officials have confirmed that the demolition of the burned-out Centennial Mills building will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday. The 116-year-old former flour mill, which sits on the Northwest Portland waterfront, was severely damaged by a massive fire two weeks ago. Now, crews will use controlled explosives to bring down the massive steel water tower sitting atop the eight-story structure.
Important: This is just the first phase — taking down the water tower. The rest of the building will come down systematically over the next two weeks or more.
Why Is This Building Being Demolished?
- The building caught fire two weeks ago, gutting all seven floors and the roof
- Only the outer masonry walls and the steel water tower remain standing
- The structure is unstable and at risk of collapsing on its own
- City officials say it’s too dangerous to leave standing — especially the heavy water tank on top
How the Demolition Will Work
Step-by-Step: Monday’s Explosive Takedown
-
Explosives Placement (Completed Monday Morning)
Crews used a crane-suspended basket to place controlled charges at four points around the base of the water tower’s support legs. -
Final Safety Checks (~1:15 p.m.)
The work basket was lowered, and the site was secured. -
Public Alerts Go Out (~1:20–1:50 p.m.)
- City issues official notice: demolition at ~2:30 p.m.
- Text alerts sent to nearby residents (~1:50 p.m.) telling them to go inside, close windows and doors
-
Warning Sirens & Countdown (Starting ~2:27 p.m.)
- 3 minutes before: Siren from fire crews
- 1 minute before: Second siren
- 5 seconds before: Audible countdown ("5… 4… 3… 2… 1…")
- BOOM! (~2:30 p.m.)
Four simultaneous explosions cut the tower’s supports — it falls straight down into the building.
Safety First: What You Need to Know
CRITICAL SAFETY INFORMATION — PLEASE READ
| Hazard | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Asbestos & Lead | Found in fire debris — do not breathe the dust |
| Flying Debris | 300-foot safety perimeter — no one allowed inside |
| Dust Cloud | Expected after blast — stay indoors until it settles |
| Air Quality | Wear an N95 mask if you must be outside |
| Contamination | Don’t track dust inside — remove shoes, change clothes |
- Fields Park will remain closed during demolition
- No homes are inside the 300-foot zone — but nearby residents are urged to shelter in place
- FAA has banned drones & low-flying aircraft over the site
Why the Secrecy About the Exact Time?
City officials didn’t announce the 2:30 p.m. time until about an hour beforehand — and here’s why:
- Contractor Staton Companies worried a published time would draw crowds
- "Rubber-necking" creates safety risks for spectators and crews
- Neighbor John Lehman admitted: "People are coming down, everybody is rubber-necking — got my rubber neck on."
By waiting, the city minimizes onlookers and keeps the perimeter clear.
What Happens After the Tower Falls?
| Phase | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Water Tower Demolition | Monday ~2:30 p.m. | Explosive takedown |
| Wall Removal Begins | Immediately after | Crews systematically dismantle standing walls |
| Half-Height Goal | Up to 2 weeks | Building brought down to ~4 stories |
| Full Cleanup | Weeks to months | Debris removal, site restoration |
Eric Kutch, Director of Portland Permitting & Development:
"We’re doing everything we can to bring this building down expeditiously."
How to Watch (Safely!)
KGW will stream the demolition LIVE:
- KGW.com (player at top of article)
- KGW Mobile App / KGW TV App
- YouTube: @KGWNews8/streams
Best view? Your living room. Stay safe, stay inside, and watch the pros handle it.
Summary
- Centennial Mills (116-year-old mill) burned two weeks ago — only walls + water tower left
- Explosive demolition of the tower set for Monday ~2:30 p.m.
- Warning system: Text alerts → Sirens (3 min & 1 min) → 5-second countdown → BOOM
- 300-foot perimeter enforced — Fields Park closed
- Asbestos & lead in dust — stay inside, wear N95 if outside, don’t track dust in
- Rest of building comes down over ~2 weeks to half height
- Watch live on KGW — don’t go in person
FAQ
Is it safe to be in my apartment nearby?
Yes — if you stay inside with windows/doors closed. The 300-foot zone is cleared, but dust can travel. Shelter in place until the cloud passes (usually 30–60 minutes).
What if I have asthma or breathing issues?
Take extra precautions. Keep rescue inhaler handy. Consider leaving the area for a few hours if possible. Wear an N95 if you must go out.
Can I fly my drone to get footage?
No. The FAA has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). Violators face fines — and you could interfere with safety operations.
How long will the area be disrupted?
At least two weeks for the next phase (wall removal). Full cleanup takes longer. Check Portland.gov for street/park closure updates.
Why not just let it fall naturally?
Too dangerous. The tower weighs tons and could topple unpredictably — onto trains, streets, or the river. Controlled demo = predictable, contained collapse.