Former Centennial Mills Water Tower Demolished in Portland
The water tower of the former Centennial Mills in Portland, OR, was demolished using controlled explosions on Monday, August 17. The structure had become unstable after a fire on August 2, posing a collapse risk. The demolition is part of…
Portland, OR, August 17, 2026 —
PORTLAND, OR – The iconic water tower at the former Centennial Mills site in Portland, Oregon, was brought down Monday, August 17, through a series of controlled explosions. The demolition comes after the structure was deemed unstable following a fire that occurred on August 2.
The fire on August 2 significantly compromised the integrity of the water tower, leading officials to identify it as a potential collapse risk. The decision to demolish the structure was made to mitigate safety hazards associated with its deteriorating condition.
The demolition is a key step in a larger plan to redevelop the former industrial site. The redevelopment project aims to transform the area into a mixed-use space, incorporating both residential housing and retail establishments. The removal of the water tower clears the way for new construction and the revitalization of the Centennial Mills property.
Further details regarding the specific redevelopment plans, timelines, or the entities involved in the demolition were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by Courtney Vaughn on www.portlandmercury.com, see more information here.
