As Waukesha’s Horizon West building comes down, a federal judge Tuesday rejected an appeal from condominium owners who sued their insurance company to cover demolition costs. The city told condo owners in December 2021 they had to evacuate the building due to concerns it might collapse. Nearly two years later, demolition began – with an […]
Maintaining Your Elevators: Regular Care Can Help Avoid Huge Replacement Costs
The elevator is one of those inventions—along with running hot and cold water and indoor plumbing—that have been around for so long we take it for granted. But elevators obviously weren’t always a part of the architectural landscape. Without them we’d still be living in a world of six-story buildings (maybe seven for the strong-legged), […]
Residents Forced To Move Out Of Unsafe Montville Condo Building (CT)
A Montville eight-unit condominium building was shut down last week and remaining residents had to leave their homes, according to The Day. Read the article……………………………
Understanding Balcony Support Systems: Maintenance, Damage Identification, and Material Choices
Balconies serve not just as a personal outdoor retreat but also as a significant architectural feature for any building. They offer residents a space to enjoy fresh air and views without leaving the comfort of their home. However, a balcony’s functionality and safety are heavily reliant on its structural support system. There are various materials […]
Waukesha Horizon West condo demolition begins, case still in court (WI)
Demolition of Waukesha’s Horizon West Condominium building began Thursday, Nov. 9 – crews removing sections piece by piece because of asbestos. The city forced everyone out of the building in December 2021 due to fear it might collapse. Residents sued their insurance company to cover demolition costs. Read the article………………………………
For these KC condo owners, the cost of living on the Plaza just rose — by $178,000 (MO)
According to real estate records, each of the condo owners inside Alameda Towers Condominiums — a 20-story building that overlooks the Country Club Plaza that is home to some of Kansas City’s most well-known wealthy families — were notified recently that they would have to pony up $178,000 each for a $10 million condominium repair […]
Collapse at Boynton Beach condo complex causes some resident evacuations (FL)
Fire rescue crews responded to a condominium complex in Boynton Beach after a soffit collapsed Tuesday………No one was hurt, and no one was trapped by the third-floor collapse, according to Boynton Beach Fire Rescue. However, some residents had to be evacuated from their homes. Read the article…………………………
Perseverance Pays Off for the Board of the New Hampshire House (NY)
After a year of intense grassroots efforts, the board at New Hampshire House, a 139-unit condo in Rego Park, Queens, finally succeeded in persuading owners to take out a $3 million loan to repair the building’s facade. The board’s success means the condo will finally be able to perform the necessary repairs mandated under the […]
Understanding Balcony Support Systems: Maintenance, Damage Identification, and Material Choices
Balconies serve not just as a personal outdoor retreat but also as a significant architectural feature for any building. They offer residents a space to enjoy fresh air and views without leaving the comfort of their home. However, a balcony’s functionality and safety are heavily reliant on its structural support system. There are various materials […]
Maintaining Your Elevators: Regular Care Can Help Avoid Huge Replacement Costs
The elevator is one of those inventions—along with running hot and cold water and indoor plumbing—that have been around for so long we take it for granted. But elevators obviously weren’t always a part of the architectural landscape. Without them we’d still be living in a world of six-story buildings (maybe seven for the strong-legged), […]
The Essential Role of a Structural Engineer in Condominium and HOA Repair Projects
In today’s evolving infrastructure landscape, the role of a structural engineer is paramount, especially when it comes to repair projects for condominiums or homeowners associations (HOA). Their contribution not only ensures that the repair works are of high quality but also that the process remains transparent and in line with the expectations of the board […]
Inspection records before explosion in Monterrey Condominium released (FL)
The explosion on Monday morning was caused by an electrical system failure that rendered the building uninhabitable. It raised concerns in the community reminiscent of the 2021 Surfside collapse. Read the article……………………………..
‘They were basically thrown out’ | Residents at Brentwood condo complex vacated with sudden notice (MO)
The letter came from the community manager, on behalf of Brentwood Forest Condominium Association and Community Property Management, which took over the property this year. The letter said there were plumbing issues at the building a couple of weeks ago and there were cracks in the back foundation wall of the building. Read the […]
Heat pumps may be the solution to a host of problems, but can your building handle them? (NY)
Heat pumps seem like a logical solution for individual New York City condo and co-op owners who want to regulate their own heat and switch to a more efficient, greener and cheaper energy source that has a new tax credit, so how should a board evaluate an owner or shareholder’s request to install them? Read […]
Florida Statute 2023-203: A Comprehensive Look at Building Safety Regulations and Florida Milestone Inspections
It often takes a crisis for society and government to react. Whether it be seat belts, smoking, or building safety, unfortunately, catastrophe can move the needle toward addressing public safety issues. This paper explores the events leading up to Florida statute 2023-203, the steps that impacted owners/developers/managers can take to ensure compliance, and how experts […]
‘It’s just not feasible’: North Providence residents given eviction notices after town condemns condos (RI)
Dozens of residents living in North Providence’s Canterbury Village have been left scrambling after receiving a 24-hour eviction notice. North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi confirmed that the town’s building inspector and fire department condemned the condominiums due to the deplorable conditions inside. Read the article………………………………..
La Jolla condo building is closed after months of reports of damage (CA)
Deteriorating conditions that started with a sinkhole next to the building on Gilman Drive have gotten worse in recent months, forcing some residents into a hotel at the city of San Diego’s expense. Read the article………………………………..
California HOAs Must Prepare for New Balcony Requirements
Community associations in California must meet new balcony inspections requirements by the end of 2024. The state’s “balcony bill,” SB 721, was approved by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018. The bill requires an inspection of “exterior elevated elements” within all multifamily residential buildings containing three or more dwelling units no later than Jan. 1, 2025. […]
Iconic Metairie Towers up for grabs in multimillion-dollar deal (LA)
Metairie Towers, a prominent piece of real estate in Old Metairie, is expected to be sold in a multimillion-dollar deal. The tower, vacant since Hurricane Ida, is now on the market with the aim of maximizing profits and finding a developer aligned with the neighborhood’s vision. Watch the news report………………………………..
How Much Does it Cost to Paint a House? A Comprehensive Guide
The average cost to paint a house is $3,300, depending on several factors like the size of the house and the cost of labor in your region. Today we’re going over the cost of painting a house, the factors you can control, and tips to save money on painting your home’s exterior. Read the article…………………………..
Demolition company lays out plan for condemned Waukesha condo building, as owners continue court battle (WI)
For about a week now, those crews have been removing non-hazardous materials like carpeting and furniture. Then they’ll seal it up and remove hazardous asbestos. At the same time, the 48 condo owners are battling their insurance company in court, trying to get millions of dollars they say is owed them. Read the article………………………………..
3 Terra Ridge units in Williams Lake deemed unsafe, foundations shifting (BC)
Williams Lake residents living in three units at Terra Ridge have been asked to move out due to safety concerns, confirmed the city’s building inspector. Gary Deane said the strata council at Terra Ridge hired a structural engineer to go through all 80 units at the development and provided the city with a copy of […]
Condo owners in good standing fear eviction in Pembroke Pines (FL)
Property owners paid mortgage, insurance and homeowners association fees but still fear being put out at Heron Pond Condominiums. Pembroke Pines code inspectors found structural problems threatening safety in several buildings earlier this year. Read the article………………………..
‘So what is the city going to do?’ | Engineers cite DC condos at risk of “imminent collapse”
Department of Building inspectors condemned the homes on Talbert Street, SE, but engineers say neighbors who live on Morris Road are in danger too. Read the article………………………..
What You Need to Know About Florida New (2023) Senate Bill 154: Structural Integrity Reserves (SIRS) Studies
Florida Senate Bill 154 has been signed into law and brings significant changes to Structural Integrity Reserves (SIRS) studies, a crucial element in ensuring the safety and long-term maintenance of condominium buildings across the state. These updates address various aspects, from who can perform the inspections to what needs to be included in the reserve […]
Resolving Conflict – How One HOA Board Changed the Direction of a Building
Built as one of the tallest and most luxurious residential high-rise buildings in the country, Millennium Tower in San Francisco has gained fame for something far less flattering. The 58-story building is the site of one of the most expensive construction retrofits in history. Read the article………………………..
Fears of building collapse prompt plea to evacuate north Edmonton condo building (AB)
More than five months after a fire damaged a condominium building in northwest Edmonton, an investigation by an engineering firm has revealed the building was not constructed properly to begin with and could collapse at any moment — so residents are being urged to leave immediately. Read the article………………………..
3 more buildings at Pembroke Pines condo complex deemed unsafe, ordered evacuated (FL)
Three more buildings at a Pembroke Pines condominium complex have been ordered evacuated after they were deemed unsafe, following the earlier evacuation of three other buildings at the same development. Read the article………………………..
‘We’re stressing’: Residents move out of Pembroke Pines condo buildings deemed unsafe (FL)
Balconies in all 19 buildings on the property were shut down in January. Then in July, Pembroke Pines Police reported all buildings also showed signs of structural deterioration and potential unsafe conditions. Residents of buildings two, three, and 10 were put on notice they had 10 days to move out. Read the article………………………..
Leaking rooftop pool cause for condo concern
Question: I purchased a brand-new condominium in 2020, near the ocean. The building is seven floors high, including the rooftop pool, and four condominium units wide. In the past six months I have noticed that one of the interior walls that is constructed of plaster over block has developed horizontal bowing, in places for a […]
Bricks fall from Manchester condo wall onto cars, fire official says (CT)
Bricks fell off an exterior wall of a condominium complex Wednesday night, damaging three cars and triggering an evacuation, a fire official said. Read the article………………………..
More residents ordered to leave after 3rd Pembroke Pines condo building deemed unsafe (FL)
Another building of a Pembroke Pines condominium has been deemed unsafe Wednesday, and residents living there have 10 days to vacate. The city posted notices on building two of the Heron Pond Condominiums on 100 SW 83rd Way ordering the building needed to be vacated by Aug. 26. Read the article………………………..
Florida Statute, 720.3045, Installation, Display and Storage of Items
Numerous homeowner associations have declarations, covenants, conditions, and restrictions for the storage items on their property, regardless of where the items are stored and whether such items are visible to third parties. Such storage items may include boats, trailers, sheds, construction equipment, and junk. Read the article………………………..
St. Petersburg condo may need $45 M renovation, post-Surfside review finds
A luxury condominium on the affluent stretch of Beach Drive in downtown St. Petersburg that’s been home to some of the city’s most prominent residents, including former Gov. Charlie Crist, is facing millions of dollars in repairs after engineers discovered a host of major issues. Read the article………………………..
St. Petersburg condo may need costly fixes, post-Surfside review finds (FL)
It’s been two years since the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside collapsed in the early morning hours, destroying half the building’s units instantaneously and killing 98 people. Read the article………………………..
City Seeks to Tighten Garage Inspections After Deadly Collapse
One good turn deserves another. As the first round of the city’s new six-year cycle of mandatory garage inspections draws to a close, the city council is considering even tighter rules — in response to the parking garage collapse in April in Lower Manhattan that killed one and injured five. Read the article………………………..
Toronto condo owners are getting huge payout after falling balcony glass incidents (ON)
Select condo owners in Toronto (who one could call lucky or not-so-lucky, depending how you look at it) are now in line to receive some potentially big bucks after a building screwup that left their balconies unusable for months. Read the article………………………..
How to Prepare Elevators in Your High-Rise for a Hurricane
Keeping your community functional, safe, and beautiful can be particularly challenging if it is located in an area that is prone to hurricanes. Here are some of the most important things to consider when preparing your high-rise’s elevators to reduce the likelihood of damage during a hurricane. Read the article………………………..
Sinking Millennium Tower shows signs of recovery, but expert has doubts (CA)
The latest phase of work to stabilise San Francisco’s troubled Millennium Tower has reversed some of the tower’s tilt, according to monitoring data – but an expert has said it is “too early” to tell if the fix is working. Read the article………………………..
Code changes for tall buildings still in the works 2 years after Surfside condo collapse (FL)
It’s been two years since 98 lives were lost in the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside. WPTV is taking a look at what has changed both locally and statewide regarding building codes and ways to prevent another tragedy. Read the article………………………..
At least 26 South Florida buildings deemed unsafe, evacuated since Surfside condo collapse
In the aftermath of the Champlain Towers South collapse, South Florida’s aging buildings have come under scrutiny, prompting more enforcement as well as evacuation orders. NBC6 found more than two dozen buildings have been evacuated across Miami-Dade municipalities. Most of them are near the coastline. Read the article………………………..
Raze order settlement reached between city of Waukesha and Horizon West condo owners (WI)
The now-condemned building needs to be razed, and the city took the condo owners to court, wanting them to foot the more than $1 million bill. Friday, the two sides reached a settlement. Where the money is coming from, though, depends on a pending appeal the condo owners have against its insurance company. Read the […]
After 15 Years, Settlement Arrested at San Francisco’s Millennium Tower (CA)
After overcoming several snags, the team for the voluntary effort to stem future significant settlement and tilting at San Francisco’s 645-ft-tall Millennium Tower has declared the project a success, now that loads have been fully transferred to 18 new perimeter piles driven to bedrock. Read the article………………………..
Who will pay for the possible millions in repairs at Rochester Towers? (MN)
The question of who is going to pay for potentially $4 million to repair two or three columns in the troubled Rochester Towers haunts David Barnett, whose family owns five of the 94 condominium units in the downtown building. Read the article………………………..
Residents at Clearwater condo plea for help after living with broken elevator for more than month (FL)
A Clearwater condo complex elevator has been broken since May 10. For the elderly residents on the top floors, every trip up and down the stairs is difficult. Read the article………………………..
‘This tragedy was altogether avoidable’: Lawsuits mount in Davenport condo collapse (IA)
Three lawsuits filed this week in response to the Davenport, Iowa condo collapse allege that the city, landlord, numerous contractors and engineers knew of the “imminent danger” facing tenants and chose not to act. Read the article………………………..
Permanent fix needed for Rochester Towers Condominiums; issue found by contractor working on unrelated project (MN)
Residents of the Rochester Tower Condominiums will not be able to return to their homes for at least another month, and new information shows the structural issue was discovered by a contractor working on an unrelated project. Read the article………………………..
When can residents move back into unsound Rochester condos? Officials aren’t sure (MN)
It’s unclear when condominium owners can move back into a 15-story building that was evacuated last week after an engineer found structural problems with the building during an inspection. Read the article………………………..
Rochester, Minn. condo building site stabilized following structural concerns
A 15-story condo building in downtown Rochester remains evacuated after an inspection raised concerns about the tower’s structural integrity. Late Saturday, the city of Rochester announced an engineering firm had completed shoring operations on the site and the situation has stabilized. Read the article………………………..
Unsafe conditions prompt evacuation, emergency repairs for 15-story condo in Rochester (MN)
A 15-story condominium in downtown Rochester was evacuated Friday because of concerns over the building’s structural integrity. The Rochester Towers condo has about 180 people living in 94 units, and the move was made after a routine inspection found unsafe conditions in the building. Read the article………………………..