93-year-old Michigan power plant imploded

MARYSVILLE, Mich., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- City officials imploded a 93-year-old former DTE Energy power plant, known as the Mighty Marysville, to make room for a mixed-use development with hotels, housing, stores and a marina.

The coal-burning power plant's sky-high smokestacks came down in about 20 seconds after explosions were heard up and down the St. Clair River, which separates Michigan and Ontario.

The smokestacks had been seen on both sides of the river since 1992. The plant closed in 2001, according to the Detroit News.

"The building's been here so long," Marysville resident Becky Brougham told the Times-Herald. "Everybody is used to seeing it. Hopefully, the city will do something nice with it."

Marysville city officials unveiled the development plan in mid-October, showing off a proposal with a five-story hotel, restaurants, riverfront promenade, park and marina.

"I've lived in Marysville all my life, born and raised," Pat Francesconi said, after the plant was reduced to rubble. "It's a big change, but hopefully it's progress, and that's a good thing."