Vanderbilt implodes final Carmichael Towers on West End

Vanderbilt University tore down the final two Carmichael Towers Saturday as it continues to remodel its campus residences. 

The controlled implosion began at 9 a.m., with the following streets and sidewalks closed to cars and people starting at 8 a.m.:

• West End Avenue between 23rd Avenue North and 25th Avenue North
• 24th Avenue North between West End Avenue and Elliston Place
• 25th Avenue South between West End Avenue and Jess Neely Drive

The demolition was expected to take 15 minutes, with the roads and sidewalks expected to be closed until no later than noon, according to Vanderbilt University.

The remodeling is part of the university's transformation of its West End neighborhood.

The Carmichael Towers were the tallest buildings on campus and have been home to thousands of students since 1970. The 20-story Carmichael Towers West were demolished in July 2019. The Carmichael Towers East is a 14-story building. 

Vanderbilt's U.S.-Japan Center:Vanderbilt's U.S.-Japan Center to close after 23 years

Vanderbilt athletes at Tokyo Olympics:Tracking former Vanderbilt athletes as they compete in the Tokyo Olympics

The towers are named in honor of the university's third chancellor, Oliver C. Carmichael, who served from 1937 to 1946.

Have a news tip? Reach reporter Adam Friedman by email at afriedman@tennessean.com.