Sirens blared just before seven Sunday morning while residents of Pasadena still slept in their beds.
The First Pasadena State Bank Building was brought down in a controlled implosion at 7am.
Roads in the area were closed and residents were advised to stay away from the area until debris has been completely cleared away.
The work to prepare the historic landmark tower had begun before sunrise and the cleanup continuing until at least 9:30 am at 1001 E. Southmore Avenue.
Metal and bricks from the building constructed in 1963 will be recycled.