An aging condo on Fort Lauderdale’s barrier island ordered to evacuate because of an unsafe foundation could be among the first of a long line of condos in desperate need of long-delayed repairs, experts say.
Nearly two weeks ago, unit owners at Springbrook Gardens — a former hospital turned condo built in 1947 — were told they had to be out by noon Friday after the building’s engineer determined the building was unsafe. Residents moved out only to get clearance five days later to move back in under the proviso that emergency repairs get underway as soon as possible, city records show.
Now some who live in the 18-unit building with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway are wondering whether they can afford what might turn into a special assessment of $55,000 or more for each individual owner.
“I don’t want to spend any more money to fix up the building if it’s going to cost $1 million or $2 million,” unit owner Warren Sackler told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. A retired New Yorker, Sackler owns two units at the condo and would end up paying a double assessment.