The skyline of Mahwah, New Jersey, dramatically changed on Saturday morning, May 10, 2025, as the iconic Sheraton Crossroads Hotel was reduced to rubble in a carefully orchestrated implosion. Once a shining symbol of ambition and modern design, the 25-story, 250-foot-tall structure had stood proudly since its opening in October 1987 but officially closed its doors in December 2023.
As the countdown hit zero, the area echoed with thunderous booms—boom-boom-boom, followed by a pause, and then another boom-boom-boom. The sounds were heard as far away as Midland Park, Montebello, Wyckoff, and Waldwick, drawing hundreds of onlookers who lined Route 17, cameras ready and emotions high. “That was wild,” said Sarah Warren from West Milford. “It’s crazy it’s gone—I used to drive by it all the time.” John Morales added, “That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Township Engineer Michael Kelly confirmed that the building was safely gutted and tested for hazardous materials before demolition. The fire, police, ambulance, and building departments all played vital roles, while the New Jersey Department of Labor oversaw explosive handling. “Hardly any dust. Amazing!” remarked Robert Ferguson, while Karen Finn Boehme praised the event's “amazing precision.”
The Sheraton Crossroads Hotel was part of a $300 million "International Crossroads" plan that was never fully realized. Initially designed to include office spaces and hotel rooms, it boasted the largest concrete-poured foundation in New Jersey at the time. Architect John Gilchrist recalled, "It was a beautiful day in May. They poured concrete from dawn till the next day." The hotel was built at a cost of $90 million and became a fixture of Mahwah life, hosting countless weddings, community events, and corporate meetings.
However, not everyone was a fan of its design. In 1987, The Record’s art critic John Zeamon noted, “The V-shaped base makes it bulky and doesn’t blend with the surroundings.” Despite this, the hotel became a cherished venue for many, with couples like Scott Zintel and Kathy Hollands celebrating their weddings there, and the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce operating from its second floor. “It was our palace for a night,” said Jack Curry. “The warmth we felt there has stayed with us forever.”
From the late 1980s to the early 2000s, the hotel hosted a women’s Tennis Classic organized with Billie Jean King, drawing thousands for matches featuring stars like Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Jennifer Capriati. Concerts featuring The Beach Boys and Huey Lewis and The News further solidified its status as a cultural hub. “Melbourne, Paris, London... Mahwah,” read a T-shirt gifted to Graf, who reminisced, “The whole experience was an ace,” according to organizer Adriana Bevilaqua.
As the implosion unfolded, township officials had previously warned residents about road closures and safety measures. Parts of Stag Hill Road, First Street, Meadow Avenue at State Street, Long Avenue, Johnson Avenue, Catherine Avenue, Brook Street, Strysko Avenue, Sustack Place, and South Street were closed to vehicular traffic until the all-clear signal was given post-implosion. The State Police patrolled local highways from 5 a.m. and slowed or stopped all highway vehicular traffic in the vicinity of the Sheraton site anywhere from 15 to several minutes before the implosion. “This is a serious construction event that involves the implosion of a multi-story building,” officials had stated.
For those who wanted to witness the event live, the township provided several locations in and around Mahwah that offered views of the building, although many were restricted from driving into or parking at these sites. The official Township of Mahwah Facebook page streamed the event live, making it accessible to those unable to attend in person. The demolition was scheduled for around 7:30 a.m. but ultimately occurred at 7:41 a.m.
Looking ahead, the site where the Sheraton once stood is set for redevelopment. In August 2024, Mahwah's Township Council approved a proposal to expand the site’s building allowance from 1.7 million to 4 million square feet, though no firm plans have yet been submitted. Township Council President Robert Ferguson shared optimism about the future, stating, “Demolishing the structure isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about honoring it by making room for progress.”
The future development is expected to bring hundreds of jobs and boost local businesses while preserving the area’s infrastructure and school capacity. As Mahwah bids farewell to a landmark that held countless memories for residents, the community looks forward to what the future holds at 1 International Boulevard.
