Federal investigators revealed today that the pool deck of a beachfront condominium in South Florida, which tragically collapsed two years ago and claimed the lives of 98 individuals, was found to have violated building codes and standards, Your Content has learned.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology provided an update on their investigation into the Champlain Towers South building collapse during a meeting of the National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee.
The incident occurred in Surfside, a town situated just north of Miami Beach.
According to investigators, the pool deck displayed severe strength deficiencies and failed to meet the original design requirements.
The inspection also uncovered evidence of corrosion, misplaced reinforcement, and the presence of heavier and additional plant containers that deviated from the initial plans.
These critical factors contributed to a significantly weakened structure, with little room for failure.
Although previous assessments had suggested issues with the pool deck as a potential cause of the 12-story building’s collapse on June 24, 2021, the NIST investigation is still ongoing.
Officials anticipate completing their technical analysis by next spring, with a comprehensive report detailing the cause and potential recommendations for updating codes, standards, or practices expected in 2025.
Meanwhile, the developers are forging ahead with plans to construct a new building on the site, despite appeals from the victims’ families to establish a memorial in the location.
DAMAC International, based in Dubai, acquired the 1.8-acre (1-hectare) property for $120 million last year and recently submitted proposals for a new condominium to the town of Surfside.
The design, crafted by London-based Zaha Hadid Architects, encompasses 57 luxury units ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 square feet (360 to 810 square meters).
Amenities in the building would include a business center, event space, and two pools.
The proposal includes two variations of the building design, depending on the final setback variance approved for the site.
One design features vertically aligned balconies, while the other incorporates tiered balconies that recede as the floors ascend.
Although unit prices have yet to be disclosed, comparable residences in the area typically sell for over $1 million.
Family members of the victims and their supporters have persistently called for a memorial to be erected on the site since shortly after the collapse of Champlain Towers South.
Town officials have expressed their intent to dedicate space for a memorial along a nearby street, but some families insist that the memorial should be situated at the exact location where their loved ones perished, according ABC News.
The approval of the new development plans still rests with the town officials.