The state air quality board has approved a construction company's request to implode a downtown skyscraper this summer.

The old Key Bank tower on Main Street will come down to make way for the new 20-acre City Creek Center. It will be the first downtown high-rise blown up in the city since 1983.

Okland Construction got the go-ahead from the Utah Air Quality Board this week.

Implosion is the preferred method for tearing down the building because it will cut costs, save time and limit inconvenience to the public.

Tentatively, the building will tumble on Aug. 18.

The last building to be imploded in Salt Lake City was the Hotel Newhouse City Creek Center is a mixed-use development that will include commercial, residential and retail space. It's being built by Property Reserve Inc., the real estate arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.