O
n a sunny afternoon in Miami Beach, a partial collapse of scaffolding at a luxury condo building named Villa Di Mare resulted in injuries to two individuals. The incident occurred at 5801 Collins Avenue, a prestigious location known for its stunning ocean views. One person was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition, while another was treated on the scene.
Villa Di Mare is a boutique condo building that houses only twelve units and was constructed in 2002. The building is currently undergoing concrete restoration, painting, and stucco work, as indicated by an open permit issued in December. Procon Contractor Services is responsible for the renovation work.
Concrete restoration is a common practice for buildings located near the ocean due to increased wear and tear caused by saltwater exposure. This is particularly relevant to Villa Di Mare, given its proximity to the ocean.
The incident serves as a reminder of the Champlain Towers South collapse three years ago in Surfside, just three miles north of Miami Beach. The catastrophic event resulted in the loss of nearly 100 lives when the building collapsed overnight due to deferred maintenance and repairs.
In response to the Champlain Towers South tragedy, the Florida Legislature passed laws in 2022 and 2023 to ensure better maintenance and safety measures for older condo buildings. These laws require milestone inspections for buildings that are three stories or taller when they reach 25 or 30 years old, depending on their proximity to the coastline. Additionally, all associations are mandated to complete structural integrity reserve studies (SIRS) every decade and fully fund these reserves.
Construction accidents are not uncommon, as demonstrated by a recent crane collapse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. In April, a portion of a tower crane collapsed at a construction site located at 333 North New River Drive East, a 43-story apartment building currently under construction. One construction worker lost his life, while three others were injured in the incident.
