New Condo Tower Could Be Constructed On The Site Of The Surfside Condo Disaster
New condo tower could be constructed on the site of the Surfside condo disaster. On Monday, nearly two years after the collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South condominium complex in Surfside, Florida, which resulted in the deaths of 98 people, plans were submitted for the construction of another 12-story condominium structure on the seaside land where the tragedy took place.
Author:George EvansJun 16, 202339.2K Shares545.7K Views New condo tower could be constructedon the site of the Surfside condo disaster. On Monday, nearly two years after the collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South condominium complex in Surfside, Florida, which resulted in the deaths of 98 people, plans were submitted for the construction of another 12-story condominium structure on the seaside land where the tragedy took place. The United Arab Emirates-based corporation DAMAC International stated in a press release that the projected "ultra-luxury boutique oceanfront development" would consist of 57 residences and two swimming pools. The business presented drawings of two distinct architectural concepts that may be used for the project.
ABC Newswas able to confirm with the Town of Surfside's Planning Department that the application submitted by the developer was received on Monday. A spokesperson for the developer told ABC News:
“„DAMAC plans to commence construction sometime in 2024.- Anonymous
In order for DAMAC International to be granted permission to move forward with the project, the plans would first need to receive approval from the Surfside Planning Commission. The plan will initially be reviewed by the municipal administration of Surfside, and subsequently, a public hearing will be scheduled; however, a date for the meeting has not yet been determined.
Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger told ABC News:
“„It’s a difficult issue because there’s the emotional aspect to it. We can’t deny a plan unless there’s a legal reason.- Shlomo Danzinger
In 1981, immediately to the north of Miami Beach, Champlain Towers South became open for business and contained 136 units. At around 1:22 in the morning on June 24, 2021, approximately half of the building collapsed, which prompted first responders from all over the world to fly to South Florida in order to aid with the search and rescue operations.
Chris Lepine of Zaha Hadid Architects said in the press release:
“„While no work of architecture can ever remove the pain of the past, nor should it, a truly ambitious work of architecture can respect such a significant site. It's a great responsibility to be providing this vision for Surfside.- Chris Lepine
According to the property records of Miami-Dade County, a company called East Oceanside Development, LLC, which is affiliated with DAMAC International, purchased the land for the price of $120 million only a little more than a year after the collapse.
“„I think we’d have all liked to see a memorial there and it turned into some kind of park, but that ship sailed a long time ago,- Danzinger
Danzinger stated, adding that it is now anticipated that a portion of the adjoining 88th Street would be transformed into a memorial park in at least a year's time.
The announcement of the development project comes while the cause of the collapse remains unknown.
Investigators from the National Institute of Standards and Technology are expected to provide an update on their research at a meeting on Friday, but according to a NIST spokesperson, their investigation will not be completed until the spring of 2024, and the resulting report will not be published for another year.
Meanwhile, Surfside authorities, survivors, and victims' families are prepared to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the collapse. A torch will be lighted in a public commemoration service across the street from the property at 1:22 a.m. on June 24, and the names of the victims will be recited thereafter.
Danzinger said:
“„We don’t want to forget. We want to keep their memories alive.- Danzinger