LTC 024-2019 Dora Condominium Balcony Failure 8425 Harding Ave MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# 024-2019 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of e City C.1 ission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: January 14, 2019
SUBJECT: Dora Condominium Balcony Failu 1 8425 Harding Ave
This memorandum provides information about the Dora Condominium Balcony failure and the current
condition of the building. It is also item C4Y on your January 16, 2019 Commission agenda. On December
23, 2018 four people were standing on the balcony of unit nine and the balcony collapsed. All four
individuals were transported to area hospitals.
A notice of violation was issued by the Building Department on December 23rd (US2018-0298) the violation
indicated:
1. Condominium Association needs to secure the affected area below the balcony, and close unit
nine.
2. Condominium Association needs to submit structure report signed and sealed by an engineer to
evaluate the building structure together with methods of repairs. Need to obtain all required permit
and inspections.
3. Unit nine cannot be occupied until an engineer's report is submitted which certifies safety
conditions within the unit.
4. The Building Official also required the closure and shoring of all balconies in the building until the
engineering report is provided.
The building was recertified on April 12th of 2017 (40YR2016-00212); recertification Electrical/Structural
reports were submitted by Mr. Gordon W. Myers P.E. To date, the safety scaffolding has been installed
and the balconies remain closed. Structural Engineer Morgan Villanueva, P.E. has submitted a letter
verifying the adequacy of the shoring and indicating that he and his firm will be the engineers of record for
the structural repair plans.
On Friday January 11th, the contractor representative for A. G. Contractors attended a meeting with the
Building Official providing reports with photos of the shoring and structural inspections. The formal
structural report has not been submitted. The representative indicated that the investigation determined
there is extensive deterioration of the balcony reinforcing and will require repair, more than likely
replacement, work on all balconies.
We will keep you apprised of any other developments.
J LM/S MT/AS