Residents of an Orlando condominium complex previously flagged by Orange County as unsafe are being told to leave parts of the property as a precaution, adding another disruption for people who say they recently renewed their leases and now face unexpected moving costs.
The evacuation affects 12 units in the south wing of Building 1932 at The Plaza Condominiums, according to a notice residents say they received from the property’s board.
The board said the decision came after Orange County’s Building Safety Division reviewed an engineer’s report and recommended the precautionary evacuation.
For residents, the notice brought a new round of uncertainty.
“My heart just sunk. I was in disbelief and I was really scared, confused,” one resident said.
Another resident said the roommates had recently renewed their lease and now have about 10 days to leave.
“We just been moving constantly and packing, spending a bunch of money on gas so that we could actually figure out where we’re going,” the resident said.
The latest development comes less than a week after Orange County posted signs at the condominium property declaring buildings unsafe for human occupancy.
County records cited maintenance issues, code violations and fines, as well as structural and life-safety concerns. Among the concerns identified at Building 1932 were temporary shoring and improperly supported stairs.
The county’s action prompted residents to question how long they will be displaced and who will cover the costs associated with leaving.
One resident said the household has little money saved and is concerned about a security deposit of nearly $3,000, as well as moving expenses.
Residents said property management has indicated they could potentially return in about three months, though they said they have not received enough information to know whether that timeline is firm.
The condominium board previously told News 6 that safety measures had been implemented and attributed the structural problems in part to a lack of oversight and maintenance under previous boards.
The Plaza community, which includes Building 1932, was constructed in 1986, according to property records. Building 1932 is a three-story condominium building on Lake Atriums Circle in Orlando.
For residents now searching for temporary housing, the immediate concern is finding somewhere they can afford.
“At the moment, that’s the moment we we’re putting in applications places. But you know, those cost money and we’re waiting back,” one resident said.
The emotional toll is also mounting.
“Angry, angry, stressed and trying to be hopeful,” a resident said when asked how they were feeling about being forced to leave.
News 6 has reached back out to the condominium board for additional details about the evacuation, the work being done at Building 1932 and a more specific timeline for when residents may be allowed to return.
Updated statement:
“The safety of our residents has been and remains THE PLAZA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, Inc.’s top priority. Following an inspection by the Association’s structural engineer, and out of an abundance of caution, the Association temporarily vacated the south wing of Building 1932 as a precautionary safety measure, notified affected residents, and retained a geotechnical engineer for further evaluation. The Association submitted this recommendation to Orange County’s Building Department, which reviewed it and did not oppose it. The Association had already engaged a structural engineer, approved a special assessment, and begun repair work prior to the county’s involvement, and continues to follow the guidance of its professionals and county officials at every step. The precautionary measure applies only to the 12 units in the south wing of Building 1932; the Association’s structural engineer confirmed that the remainder of the community’s buildings are safe for continued occupancy. The Association will not speculate on the cause, scope, or timeline of repairs until the appropriate professional evaluations are complete, and will continue to provide updates to residents and the community as new information becomes available.”
— THE PLAZA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, Inc.
We asked the Board a number of questions, which were answered. Some of the key questions and responses are outlined below:
Is the remainder of Building 1932 and the community currently considered safe for occupancy?
“Yes. The Association’s structural engineer’s report confirmed that the remainder of the buildings are safe for continued occupancy. The precautionary vacate recommendation applies only to the south wing of Building 1932. Balconies and areas with active structural work remain marked with caution tape as a precaution.”
What repairs or remediation are currently underway, and what is the anticipated timeline?
“The Association had already approved a special assessment and begun structural work based on its engineers’ recommendations prior to the county’s involvement. Additional evaluation, including the geotechnical inspection on September 3, is underway to determine the full scope of remaining work. A timeline for completion has not yet been determined and will depend on the outcome of that evaluation.”
Has the special assessment been sufficient, or will residents face additional costs?
“The scope of repairs is still being evaluated by the Association’s professionals. The Association is not in a position to speculate on final costs at this time and will keep owners informed as more information becomes available.”
Residents said they are hoping the evacuation will be temporary but are preparing for the possibility that they could be out of their homes longer than expected.