LAKE CHARLES, La. ( KLFY ) — The historic Capital One Tower was demolished Saturday morning, four years after being heavily damaged by Hurricane Laura.

Hundreds of people gathered to witness the tallest building in Lake Charles implode. The tower, which once stood as a staple in the community, is now a mere memory.

Tiffany and Richard Leleux said they traveled from their home in Breaux Bridge to watch the building fall.

“You actually feel the burst right now in your chest. I saw the little lights go out, the little explosions go up, but then the whole thing fell, it’s like it shook you to your core,” Tiffany said.

Tiffany, who grew up in Sulphur, said the tower is the first thing drivers look at when driving across the bridge.

“It’s going to be weird to not see it [when] passing over the bridge. That’s the first thing that you look at,” Tiffany said, who grew up in Sulphur.

Tiffany said it was “crazy” that the building was damaged by Hurricane Laura when it had survived so many other past hurricanes.

Richard said the implosion of the tower represents more than just physical change, it represents a new era for future development in Lake Charles.

“I think a lot of people, with it being an eyesore right now, they ready for something new. Get rid of the old and just get something new,” Richard said.

Demolition crews will spend the next few weeks cleaning up the rubble from the property.

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