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Champlain Towers South Collapse Site

Today Marks One Year Since the Deadly Champlain South Tower Collapse

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Champlain Towers South Collapse Site
Photo credit: NPR Illinois

Today marks one official year since the deadly Champlain Tower South Surfside Collapse. Since that time, this tragic event has reached so many across Florida as well as the United States. Not only has it reached many families and friends, but it has caused a need for change within local governments, condo safety, and protocol.

On June 24, 2021, around 1 am, residents began noticing the Champlain Tower South shaking, and within just a few seconds, the building partially collapsed destroying 55 units as well as taking countless lives. During the first signs of the collapse, Rescue crews began racing to the scene to search for survivors.

*The deadly collapse resulted in 98 lives lost. As of May, it was announced that the payout to the survivors has resulted in a $1.02 billion split amongst the families.

In October 2021, the site was put up for sale to cover legal fees, expenses, and other fees associated with the collapse. The site was listed for $95.6 million. Right after the property was listed, billionaire real estate developer Hussain Sajwani offered $120 million with the stipulation that he would obtain possession by the spring of 2022 to begin construction on a luxury high-rise.

In May 2022, Sajwani (DAMAC Properties), announced his plans to build a luxury tower, Cavalli Tower. This tower will resemble the Cavalli Tower that DAMAC is currently building which will be completed in 2025. The units would begin at $4.5 million once complete.

During the same time in May, Legislation that prohibits associations from waiving reserve requirements mandates 30-year inspections of condo structures three floors or taller, or 25 years if within three miles of the shore, and mandates reserve studies including structural components were passed by Florida lawmakers. Associations will have to undergo another recertification procedure ten years after the initial inspections. Condominium boards and their members may also be held accountable under the law for non-compliance.

June 23, 2022-One of the last steps before the litigation due to the collapse is over the impending sale to DAMAC. Judge Michael Hanzman approved the $1.02 billion class-action settlement and the condominium termination in court on Thursday (a technical process required for Damac to close on the land). The year-long process to settle the lawsuit was discussed by the judge, the lawyers, the survivors, and those who lost loved ones.

DAMAC Properties Buys Surfside Site

Cavalli Tower Proposed at Champlain Tower South Site

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DAMAC Properties Buys Surfside Site

DAMAC Properties recently announced that it has officially received approval to purchase land in the Surfside neighborhood of Miami in a $120 million deal. This land is none other than the site where the Champlain Tower South deadly collapse occurred just last year. DAMAC Properties intends on building a luxury branded tower on the site, Cavalli.

The site itself is located at 8777 Collins Ave Surfside featuring 1.8 acres and was sold to DAMAC through a court process and without any other competing bids on the property.

Prior to DAMAC taking an interest in the site, it was listed for $95.6 million. Sajwani offered the $120 million with the stipulation that he would obtain possession by the spring of 2022. One of the other stipulations was that Sajwani had to pay a $16 million deposit to make the contract valid.

Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties stated, “DAMAC Properties has long been eyeing development opportunities in Miami. We see the city, which is known for being a luxury and fashion centre, as a natural fit for our Company, which has an established reputation for its branded luxury offerings.”

While this is Sajwani’s first United States development, he has an extensive portfolio with establishments of his company in global cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Baghdad, and London. Sajwani has heavily invested in luxury fashion, real estate, hospitality, and manufacturing.

According to Sajwani, “Our global expansion into the United States marks a major milestone and demonstrates that DAMAC is a force to be reckoned with. This is an exciting time, and we have a lot in store.”

Surfside has been a hub for ultra-luxury condominium constructions in recent years, including the Four Seasons Private Residences, Fendi Chateau Residences, and Arte Surfside towers.

Champlain Towers South Under Contract

Champlain Towers South Site Under Contract for $120 Million

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Champlain Towers South Under Contract

After the devastating Champlain Towers South Condo collapse that occurred on June 24th and all search efforts ceased, demolition and clearing of the site began. As of August 30th, the site located at 8777 Collins Avenue, Surfside was cleared and listed for sale at $95.6 million.

Right after the property was listed, billionaire real estate developer Hussain Sajwani offered $120 million with the stipulation that he would obtain possession by the spring of 2022 to begin construction on a luxury high-rise.

The sale for the 2-acre waterfront property has been officially and is now under contract. Now that the property is under contract, Sajwani has to pay a $16 million deposit. Judge Michael Hanzman approved the agreement with timeline outlines for inspections and deadlines for other bidders. This would include the $16 million deposit as non-refundable following a 60-day inspection period.

With the sale of this site, there has been a lot of pushback among the survivors and the victim’s families. As part of a class-action lawsuit, the judge that is selling the property has tried to expedite the sale in order to get the families compensated.

Proceeds from the sale are still unknown. The attorney for this transaction stated that the appraised value of the property is $95.6 million. The total for the insurance coverage held by the condo association is $48 million. There is also $30 million in property damage and $18 million for personal injury. The decision is whether to award the families all of the $120 million and the $30 million property insurance payout or award the appraised value of $95.6 million.

Some families have also petitioned for a memorial to be built on the property rather than another tower. Families have sent letters to state and federal lawmakers asking to assist in purchasing the land for a memorial. The families have asked the Surfside Commission to add a referendum on the upcoming ballot for voters to approve a land-swap proposal to build the memorial and a community center. Press conferences have also played a role but with no such luck.

Sajwani has an extensive portfolio with establishments of his company DAMAC Properties in global cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Baghdad, and London. Sajwani has heavily invested in luxury fashion, real estate, hospitality, and manufacturing.

Champlain Tower South

The Next Steps: After the Champlain South Tower Collapse

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Champlain Tower South

In the wake of the condo collapse at Champlain Towers South, we are starting to see a shift in homeowner association infrastructure reporting as well as maintenance. Towns and local governments ordered immediate inspections and updated reports on older towers.

Miami/Dade County ordered inspections on towers older than 40 years of age. Miami Beach ordered an additional and immediate building inspection on all of their towers since the collapse.

Aventura, Florida is one of the only cities in Florida to pass an ordinance requiring condo associations to provide the officials with engineering and architectural reports within 24 hours, when requested. These reports will include concerns electrical, structural, or life safety concerns and on an annual basis.

According to the city press release, associations that do not comply with the new guidelines will be fined up to $500 a day and up to 60 days in prison.

This new ordinance was passed on Thursday and was sponsored by the Mayor of Aventura, Enid Weisman. The ordinance will become law once it receives a second approval.

Mayor Weisman stated, “There is nothing more important than ensuring the safety of the residents of Aventura. Requiring that reports indicating potential dangers to our residents are provided to the city will create transparency and help us to ensure the structural and electrical integrity of our residents’ homes.”

A second meeting is scheduled on August 10, 2021, to officially vote on the new ordinance.

We are encouraged by the actions of Aventura Florida and we hope to see the same ordinances and guidelines for all of Florida.

8777 Collins Avenue in Surfside Champlain Towers South

Champlain Towers South Building Collapse- A Timeline of Events

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Champlain Tower South View from the Ocean and Beach
Credit: MiamiCondoInvestments.com/1 OAK Studios

October 2018: Structural Engineering Report

In October 2018, a structural engineering report with Morabito Consultants notes in a nine-page report numerous problems and major structural damage at Champlain Towers. The report included that the structural concrete slab is flat instead of sloped, which causes water to pool (with the hope that the water evaporates) instead of draining off. The parking garage also showed significant cracking in concrete beams. The report states that failure to repair the damages could “cause the extent of the concrete deterioration to expand exponentially.”

November 2018: Champlain Towers Condo Association Board Meeting

After the initial engineering report was released, a Surfside official during a November 15, 2018 board meeting stated that the condo tower was in good condition. According to the minutes of this board meeting, “Structural engineer report was reviewed by Mr. Ross Prieto. It appears the building is in very good shape.” *Ross Prieto was an official for the town of Surfside but is no longer employed for the town.

8777 Collins Avenue in Surfside Champlain Towers South
Credit: MiamiCondoInvestments.com/1 OAK Studios

April 2021: A Letter to Residents

The President of the Condo Association board of directors sent out a letter to the residents of Champlain Towers South. The letter stated that the building had worsened since the original inspection in 2018, and that “the concrete deterioration is accelerating. Observable damage such as in the garage has gotten significantly worse since the initial inspection. When you can visually see the concrete spalling, that means that the rebar holding it together is rusting and deteriorating beneath the surface.” An estimate of $15 million special assessment was proposed to pay for the structural repairs.

June 24, 2021: The Collapse

Around 1:19 am, the condo tower starts to shake and partially collapses destroying around 55 units. Rescue crews immediately raced to the site to search for survivors. The same day, Florida Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Miami-Dade County.

June 25, 2021: Emergency Declaration for Florida

President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Flordia that allowed FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to send federal resources to aid in the search and rescue efforts.

June 26, 2021: Residential Audits

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Cava announced an audit on all properties that are 5+ stories high and at least 40 years old.

June 27, 2021: Search and Rescue

The search continues for those missing in the condo collapse. Miami Fire Search and Rescue are working around the clock to locate those missing. The process has been strategic because they have to assure the safety of the teams as well as limit any additional damage to the building that could cause further harm to survivors.

July 1, 2021: A Community in Mourning

As of today, the Surfside and Miami communities have been coming together with daily vigils to pray and mourn for those lost in the devastating condo collapse. Outside of the destruction, a fence with missing residents’ pictures hangs solemnly. Local restaurants have come together and are feeding the rescue and volunteer teams. Hotels are also housing residents of Champlain Towers. According to authorities, 18 people have died with 140 still missing. President Biden also visited the site to discuss the rescue efforts and to offer condolences to the community.

Future: A Change in Procedure

We do not know the exact cause of the condo collapse but we do know that an investigation into the destruction will take months to complete. With this collapse, we are already seeing a much-needed change in procedure, including the Mayor’s condominium audit memorandum now in place. It is also important that associations, engineers, and officials take the warnings more seriously in the future. And we’re hopeful that with new rules and regulations in place, a devastating event like this can be prevented in the future.

Champlain Tower South Condo in Surfside Florida
Credit: MiamiCondoInvestments.com/1 OAK Studios