Construction of the Southwest light-rail line in the Kenilworth corridor of Minneapolis had little to do with the cracking that surfaced this winter in floors and walls of the nearby Cedar Isles condominium towers, according to a forensic engineering firm. Read the entire article……………………………….
Tequesta building evacuated after columns show ‘significant deterioration and cracking’ (FL)
People who live at a building in Tequesta are out of their homes and trying to make arrangements about where to live after their building was evacuated, Wednesday. The village deemed it “unsafe for occupancy” after columns showed “significant deterioration and cracking.” Read the entire article……………………………….
Civil Code § 5551 and Complying with Safety Inspection Requirements of Balconies (CA)
On August 30, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 326 into law. This law, which went into effect on January 2020, added §5551 to California’s Civil Code. The added section imposes inspection requirements for “exterior elevated elements” which a common interest development’s association has maintenance or repair responsibilities. This requirement does not apply to […]
City funds come to the rescue of ‘troubled buildings (IL)
The vintage condo building on Crandon Avenue in South Shore is in frightful straits. It needs at least $1.5 million to repair a crumbling facade and upgrade pipes. The homeowners association doesn’t have enough cash reserves to fund needed repairs. And the residents, mostly seniors on fixed incomes, are behind in paying monthly assessments. The […]
Major work being done at The 101 Condominium in Sarasota, formerly known as Dolphin Tower (TN)
There are much brighter days ahead for The 101 Condominium complex on the Sarasota Bayfront, formerly known as Dolphin Tower. The parking garage will be completely redone, including structural improvements where crews will strengthen the connection between the columns and decks. Painting and waterproofing of the entire building are also part of this $3 million […]
So many fire escapes in Boston haven’t been inspected, putting owners, occupants, and buyers at risk (MA)
On July 22, 1975, in Boston, 19-year-old Diana Bryant and her 2-year-old goddaughter Tiare Jones fled a blaze in a Marlborough Street building by climbing onto the fire escape. It collapsed before firefighters could reach them. Bryant died, but the child, who landed on her, survived. A photojournalist snapped chilling photos of the pair falling […]
Problem Solved: What To Do When the Lone Elevator Goes Down (NY)
When a building’s lone elevator goes out of commission, it can be a nightmare. A big issue can be financing the repairs. You’ve had experience with both of these challenges at an HDFC co-op in Hamilton Heights. Can you tell us about it Read the entire article……………………………….
Parking garage at former Dolphin Tower, once shut down and evacuated, to undergo major repairs (FL)
More than 10 years after the then-named Dolphin Tower condominium in downtown Sarasota shut down because of structural problems that forced residents to evacuate, the tower will once again have to undergo major repairs that could affect both the residents and retail tenants on the property. Read the entire article……………………………….
Bronx Co-op Board Gets Free Money to Fix Its Building Envelope (NY)
For Peter Morello and his six fellow board members at the Thwaites Terrace House co-op in the Bronx, it was manna from heaven at the perfect time. The five-story, 132-unit brick building near the New York Botanical Garden needed extensive work on its roof, parapets, facades and lintels — about $600,000 worth. How to pay […]
45-year-old Shoreline Towers needs $20 million renovation. Why are condo owners ‘disgruntled?’ (FL)
A review of plans to offset costs associated with a multi-million dollar renovation of the aging Shoreline Towers condominium complex has sparked worries and calls for emergency action from members of the homeowner’s association board. Read the entire article……………………………….
Older Condo Residents Impacted by Stricter Rules (FL)
Virginia Ponce hasn’t been able to return to her fourth-floor condo in Flagami since leaving her home of 21 years in August under a city-ordered evacuation, after inspectors determined the eight-story tower was unsafe due to damaged columns. Ponce, 77, moved in with her daughter in southwest Miami-Dade. Months later, she’s hoping an overhaul of […]
No injuries reported as coverings give way at Port Hueneme condominium building (CA)
Fire crews responded Sunday morning to the collapse of a large swath of wooden and stucco patio coverings over multiple balconies at a Port Hueneme condominium building. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo shoppers beware: Balcony law could cost you thousands of dollars after you buy (CA)
Almost six years to the day before 98 people died last June 24 in South Florida’s Champlain Towers condo collapse, six people died in Berkeley when an apartment balcony gave way and fell 50 feet to the ground. Read the entire article……………………………….
Maintaining Aging Buildings – Older Structures Have Special Concerns
Nothing lasts forever, even with good maintenance—including most building components. Exterior elements are perhaps most subject to wear and tear in any climate. Their construction and material type dictate their maintenance needs and repair schedules; masonry façades clearly have different needs than wood or clapboard fronts. But with a good care program and a bit […]
Building Inspections – Up & Down, Inside & Out
Car owners know that in order to operate their vehicle legally, they must have it professionally inspected every year. An older car might need some relatively minor repairs or adjustments to bring it into compliance with state emissions requirements, but for most, getting that mandatory approval sticker is a simple, inexpensive, predictable process that takes […]
New Letter Slid Under Doors At Atlantic City’s Ocean Club Condos (NJ)
We have obtained a copy of the latest letter sent to owners and residents at Atlantic City, New Jersey’s Ocean Club Condominiums. Although the public perception may be otherwise, make no mistake about it … The Ocean Club management has been very transparent throughout all of the various issues that we have been reporting about: […]
Balcony doors at Atlantic City condo complex screwed shut as safety precaution (NJ)
An Atlantic City condo complex that told residents to stay off their balconies because it is dangerous, is now taking an additional step to keep residents safe. On Monday, management at the Ocean Club Condominiums screwed the balcony doors shut. Read the entire article……………………………….
Surfside collapse exposes an overlooked threat: Saltwater rising from underground
Not long after a condo tower collapsed in Surfside, Florida, last June, Randall Parkinson had what he calls an epiphany. Parkinson, a coastal geologist who studies the impact of climate change at Florida International University in Miami, wondered whether rising sea levels had driven saltwater into the ground beneath the tower, corroding its concrete foundation. […]
Exec: Aging condos like the one that fell in Surfside need financial watchdogs
Aging condos in Florida should be certified as safe every three years, not every 10 and certainly not every 40 as required in current law, said an executive with the finance company that warned of impending disaster before the June 2021 collapse of a 12-story condo in Surfside. Read the entire article……………………………….
So many fire escapes in Boston haven’t been inspected. What this means if you own a home or buy (MA)
On July 22, 1975, in Boston, 19-year-old Diana Bryant and her 2-year-old goddaughter Tiare Jones fled a blaze in a Marlborough Street building by climbing onto the fire escape. It collapsed before firefighters could reach them. Bryant died, but the child, who landed on her, survived. A photojournalist snapped chilling photos of the pair falling […]
Condo Board Goes in for Early Detection of Water Leaks (NY)
Ask any co-op or condo board member or their property manager to name the biggest headache they get from their building, and the answer is guaranteed: water leaks. Whether it comes through the building envelope or passes from one apartment to another (or many), water is Enemy No. 1. A condo board in Toronto — […]
Residents of Atlantic City condo complex told to stay off balconies due to structural issues (NJ)
A towering condo complex in Atlantic City is warning residents to stay off their balconies because of structural concerns. Those who live in the Ocean Club Condominiums, located along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, say that they are frustrated. Read the entire article……………………………….
County toughens building recertification process to improve condo safety (FL)
Last week, Miami-Dade County commissioners unanimously approved a motion on the first reading of an ordinance that revises procedures and bolsters the existing building recertification code, providing an increased layer of safety to condo residents. Read the entire article……………………………….
DCRA cites Homeowners’ Association President for creating a ‘hazard to life and safety’ in SE condos (DC)
Saturday, a resident recorded cellphone video of Homeowners Association President Marcus Little seemingly violating District building code by tearing down a Stop Work Order placed there by housing inspectors last week. Residents said Mr. Little left the building in such disrepair refusing to use their association fees to fix the growing problems. Read the entire […]
Condo cracks appear during construction of the Southwest light rail line (MN)
Construction of a tunnel for the Southwest light-rail line in a narrow stretch of Minneapolis’ Kenilworth corridor may have led to cracking in walls and floors at the nearby Calhoun Isles condominum towers. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘Surfside’ Florida Condo Collapse Brings Changes To New Jersey
The Condominium sector changed forever on Thursday, June 24, 2021 and few realized it until now. At 1:22 a.m., The Champlain Towers South, of a 12-story beachfront condominium in the Miami suburb of Surfside, Florida partially collapsed. It resulted in the deaths of 98 people. It has brought into question whether regular and proper structural […]
Atlantic City Ocean Club Residents Told They Can’t Use Balconies (NJ)
Multiple residents at Atlantic City’s Ocean Club Condominiums have reached out to us and they’re not happy. The residents have received official notification that they are not allowed to go out on their balconies, effective immediately. Read the entire article……………………………….
Residents of SE DC condo forced to move out due to unsafe conditions
The city has ordered residents of a Southeast Washington condominium building out before Monday due to unsafe conditions that some residents blame on the head of their condo association. Read the entire article……………………………….
I-Team: Condo safety changes and concerns in the wake of Surfside (FL)
For the past several months, the CBS 12 News I-Team has been working on a series of reports about condo safety and the changes that could be coming to state law, on the heels of the Surfside tragedy. Read the entire article……………………………….
Surfside condo’s sister building gets structural supports (FL)
Seven months after an oceanfront condominium collapsed and killed 98 people near Miami, temporary structural supports have been added to areas in the underground garage of its sister tower. Read the entire article……………………………….
Don’t Let a Burst Pipe Burst Your Bubble (IL)
With Chicago weather at full force, it is inevitable that condominiums, townhome associations and homeowner associations will be confronted with burst pipes and the subsequent damage. As a means of preparation, please review the steps below so you can be ready for when a pipe bursts your bubble. Read the entire article……………………………….
The Towers and the Ticking Clock
Lengthy NY Times article on Florida condo dollapse. You will need to register, but its free Read the entire article……………………………….
Surfside Collapse Challenges Many Older Condos (FL)
TCPalm study finds about 70 Treasure Coast condos have maintenance issues – but repair costs often present a problem if a lot of unit owners are on fixed incomes. Read the entire article……………………………….
78-year-old among residents still unable to return to asbestos-contaminated condo building (MD)
A condominium in Columbia is still recovering several months after asbestos was found inside the building while cleaning up water damage. Read the entire article……………………………….
Safety Fears at Aging San Leandro Condo (CA)
Persistent leaks, mold, sagging ceilings and termites are among the problems cited by condominium owners in San Leandro, who expressed concerns that moisture could corrode and compromise their steel-reinforced building. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo Smarts: Keep an eye on waterlogged planters on balconies and decks (BC)
Dear Tony: Can an owner be responsible for damages to the membrane and structure of a balcony if they have overloaded the space? Read the Q&A………………………………..
Aging Condo Buildings – Repair or Abandon (FL)
Even if expensive, by statute necessary repairs cannot be avoided for aging condominium buildings. Allowing the buildings to deteriorate could constitute a material alteration for which a unit owner could take issue. Termination is a cumbersome process, but should it be considered for aging condo properties? Does repairing the buildings no longer make economic sense? […]
Maintaining Aging Buildings: Older Structures Have Special Concerns
Nothing lasts forever, even with good maintenance—including most building components. Exterior elements are perhaps most subject to wear and tear in any climate. Their construction and material type dictate their maintenance needs and repair schedules; masonry façades clearly have different needs than wood or clapboard fronts. But with a good care program and a bit […]
Condo owners in aging building face $14M in repairs. If they can’t pay their part, they risk losing homes (ON)
The enormous beige and brown slab condominium building Wendy Thomas has called home in the northwest corner of Toronto for 42 years is crumbling. She sees the warning signs in the rivulets of water that streak the hallway walls, bubbling behind yellow paint and pooling on worn carpet. Exposed wires hang from broken light fixtures […]
Leaning San Francisco skyscraper is tilting 3 inches per year as engineers rush to implement fix (CA)
The engineer trying to stabilize the Millennium Tower, a luxury residential skyscraper in San Francisco that is sinking into the ground and now leaning over two feet off of center, said the building is now tilting three inches per year. Read the entire article……………………………….
Raze Order Issued For ‘Dilapitated’ Waukesha Condo (WI)
The city of Waukesha has issued a raze order on Horizon West Condominiums, a month after 65 residents were forced to evacuate the structure. Read the entire article……………………………….
After Surfside, a major national condo reform is quietly going into effect
A major national condo reform is taking place in the wake of last summer’s Surfside condo collapse that left 98 dead. But this reform is not from the government per se. It’s coming from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the federal government-sanctioned companies that buy mortgages from banks. Read the entire article……………………………….
The Leaning Tower of Soma is a mess—but everyone’s ducking responsibility (CA)
It’s a perfect soundbite, one that has a long an ignoble heritage, and a perfect example of what’s wrong with the passive voice in politics: Gee, something bad happened, but I sure didn’t do it, and I’m not going to suggest than anyone else in particular did it either. Mistakes were just made; nobody made […]
Destin officials to ask state for more oversight on high-rise condos (FL)
The City Council agreed Monday to ask local state legislators to strengthen the state’s oversight of high-rise condominiums. With a 5-2 vote, the council took that action instead of voting on a proposed ordinance that called for periodic city-required inspections of tall buildings in Destin. Read the entire article……………………………….
Engineer Proposes Slashing Scope of Millennium Tower Pile Upgrade (CA)
Based on further structural analysis and the success of a pilot program that installed three permanent piles using modified procedures, the structural engineer-of-record for the delayed perimeter pile upgrade of the 645-ft-tall Millennium Tower in San Francisco has proposed a significantly reduced scope for the project that he says would still arrest settlement and allow […]
Residents of Columbia condo building say they’ve been unable to go home since October (MD)
Residents of a condominium in Howard County say their building was evacuated in October and they have not been able to get back inside since then. Concord House, located across the street from Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, also has a padlock on the front doors of the building. Read the entire article……………………………….
Austin to ‘determine steps forward’ with ‘reactive’ building inspection approach (TX)
Austin is working to “determine [its] steps forward in addressing existing buildings” following KXAN questions about its “reactive” approach to building inspections and a Miami-area condo collapse in June that killed 98 people. Read the entire article……………………………….
Residents Complained About Balconies At Evacuated Condo: City (WI)
Residents reported falling debris and worsening balcony conditions at the Waukesha condominium that was abruptly evacuated on Thursday. Read the entire article……………………………….
Waukesha Fire Department orders evacuation of 3 buildings due to condo’s ‘imminent threat of collapse’ (WI)
Dozens of people in Waukesha are displaced after a six-story condo building was evacuated because of concerns it could collapse. Thursday evening the Horizon West Condominium Building located at 315 N. West Ave. was deemed structurally unsound. The city’s news release cited an independent structural engineering report that blamed the compromised conditions of existing structural […]
Discovery ‘When Buildings Collapse: Disaster in Surfside’ Preview
Discovery announces a compelling television event, When Buildings Collapse: Disaster in Surfside, that showcases the events and circumstances that lead to the Champlain Towers’ collapse in Florida. Read the entire article……………………………….