WMBCTV: Mahwah’s Sheraton Crossroads Hotel Set for Implosion, Marking End of an Iconic Era

Standing tall for nearly four decades, the Sheraton Crossroads was more than just a hotel and wedding venue - it was a recognizable fixture off Route 17 that community members say holds countless memories. But after years of sitting vacant, its final moments are upon us. The 22-story structure is scheduled for demolition tomorrow morning at 7:30. Mayor James Wysocki, who says he grew up in Mahwah says the hotel is an iconic part of the town.

“The symbol when you’re driving up the thruway, 17, 287. Also when you fly above it, you get to look down and you see your hometown with the Sheraton,” said Mahwah Mayor James J. Wysocki. “And when they made the decision a couple of years ago to take it down, it hit home… to have it gone, it’s going to be missed.”

Although the structure stands at more than 270 feet tall, officials say the demolition is expected to last no more than 30 seconds with a controlled implosion. Officials say this is a serious construction event and the implosion will be closed to all non-credentialed personnel.

Mayor Wysocki says there will be no public viewing area but that community members can expect to see photos and videos on various media outlets.

“If I could just emphasize, just stay away and just wait until it’s aired on TV,” said Mayor Wysocki. “I’d like nothing more than to invite the entire town over to watch it but it is private property. The people onsite will have a special permit. It can only hold 100 to 200 people.”

Officials say community members can anticipate a large presence of state and local police on area highways, beginning at the early morning hours. They advise passersby to avoid the intersection of routes 17, 287 and 202. Stag Hill will also be closed at the Mountainside Avenue intersection as well as other local streets in the area.

“We have utmost confidence in the construction company, our state police, local police for taking care of all the safety issues as well as our local fire department and EMS,” said Mayor Wysocki.

Authorities say they don’t anticipate any damage to the highways, but they don’t want drivers distracted by the implosion.