Mausam Bhatt Chief Product and Technology Officer | realtors.com
An ultraluxury condominium is set to rise on the site of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, where a tragic collapse occurred in June 2021. Damac Properties, an Emirati developer founded by billionaire Hussain Sajwani, announced plans for The Delmore condominium with units starting at $15 million. The new development will replace the 12-story building that partially collapsed, resulting in 98 fatalities.
Despite nearly four years passing since the tragedy, investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the collapse. A federal team has focused on structural flaws in concrete used in parts of the old building. While investigations continue, Damac has unveiled its plans for this prime oceanfront location along Collins Avenue.
The decision to develop this land has sparked debate within the community. Attorney Brad Sohn expressed mixed emotions regarding the site: “For 98 families, this property is a grave site in essence and sacrosanct,” he stated. However, he acknowledged that some former residents saw redevelopment as essential for financial recovery after being rendered homeless.
Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett shared his disappointment over not turning the entire site into a memorial but remains hopeful that those involved will remember its significance: “Our community...will not forget," he said.
The Delmore will be designed by Saha Hadid Architects and feature luxury amenities including a suspended swimming pool visible from Collins Avenue and a private restaurant offering a Michelin-starred menu. Completion is projected for 2029 with sales managed by Douglas Elliman.
The site's sale followed an auction won by Damac Properties with a $120 million bid in May 2022. Prior to this, victims' families reached a $997 million settlement related to liability claims surrounding the disaster.
In response to such tragedies, Florida passed legislation requiring older condo buildings to undergo safety inspections and submit repair spending plans known as Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS). This law aims to improve safety but has inadvertently impacted Florida's condo market as owners face potential increased costs and fees.
The investigation into what caused Champlain Towers South's collapse continues without resolution so far.
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