The skyline of Mahwah changed forever this morning as the iconic Sheraton Crossroads Hotel was reduced to rubble in a dramatic implosion. Once a shining symbol of ambition and modern design, the 25-story, 250-foot-tall structure stood proudly since October 1987, but officially closed its doors in December 2023.
💥 A Morning of Thunderous Farewell
As the countdown hit zero, the area echoed with thunderous booms — boom-boom-boom, a pause, and then another boom-boom-boom. The sounds were heard as far away as Midland Park, Montebello, Wyckoff, and Waldwick.
Hundreds of onlookers 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.”
“That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” added John Morales.
🏗️ Behind the Blast: Safety, Planning & Precision
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 roles, while the New Jersey Department of Labor oversaw explosive handling.
“Hardly any dust. Amazing!” – Robert Ferguson
“Amazing precision!” – Karen Finn Boehme
🕰️ A Look Back: The Rise of Crossroads
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Opened: October 1987
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Closed: December 2023
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Cost: $90 million
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Site: 1 International Boulevard
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Vision: Part of a $300 million "International Crossroads" plan (never fully realized)
Initially built to include office spaces and hotel rooms, the building was once the largest concrete-poured foundation in New Jersey. Architect John Gilchrist recalls:
"It was a beautiful day in May. They poured concrete from dawn till the next day."
🧱 Design That Made Headlines
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.”
Still, the hotel became a fixture of Mahwah life and memories.
💒 Where Life Happened: Weddings, Events, and Memories
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Weddings: Couples like Scott Zintel & Kathy Hollands and Jack & Pamela Curry celebrated their big day at the hotel.
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Community Events: From fashion shows to chamber meetings, the hotel was a key venue for local gatherings.
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Santa’s House: Mayor Jim Wysocki recalls his daughter calling it “Santa’s House” after seeing Santa during a police dinner.
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Corporate Life: Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce operated from its second floor.
“It was our palace for a night,” said Jack Curry.
“The warmth we felt there has stayed with us forever.”
🎾 Tennis, Concerts & Chili Cook-Offs
From 1980s to early 2000s, Crossroads was home to a women’s Tennis Classic, organized with Billie Jean King. Thousands came for:
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Matches featuring stars like Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Jennifer Capriati
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Free samples, chili contests, and concerts featuring The Beach Boys and Huey Lewis and The News
“Melbourne, Paris, London... Mahwah,” read a T-shirt gifted to Graf.
“The whole experience was an ace,” said organizer Adriana Bevilaqua.
🏗️ What’s Next for the Site?
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, but no firm plans have been submitted yet.
Township Council President Robert Ferguson shared optimism:
“Demolishing the structure isn’t about erasing the past — it’s about honoring it by making room for progress.”
A future development is expected to bring hundreds of jobs and boost local businesses, while preserving the area’s infrastructure and school capacity.
