WAUKESHA (Wis.) — After learning that there was a possibility of the condominium falling on Thursday night, investigators are trying to stabilize it. Residents were evacuated from their homes and they will not be allowed back into their units in the foreseeable future.
On Friday, Waukesha Fire Chief Steve Howard held a press conference. Kevin Lahner, the City Administrator, also addressed the media about Friday’s incident. The two previously shared a summary of their discovery that the large building could collapse at any time, potentially threatening the lives and safety of 65 condo residents.
evacuation
Three properties were evacuated by the Waukesha Fire department due to a threat of collapse in condominiums. Officials will provide more information on Friday.
WAUKESHA (Wis.) — After learning that there was a possibility of the condominium falling on Thursday night, investigators are trying to stabilize it. Residents were evacuated from their homes and they will not be allowed back into their units in the foreseeable future.
On Friday, Waukesha Fire Chief Steve Howard held a press conference. Kevin Lahner, the City Administrator, also addressed the media about the incident. The two previously shared a summary of their discovery that the large building could collapse at any time, potentially threatening the lives and safety of 65 condo residents.
It is located south of the city’s central area and was built in 1966. According to the fire chief, the design of this building is “unique”, and they don’t know of any other similar structures with structural problems.
Two nearby properties at 323 N. West Ave. (and 307 N. West Ave.) were evacuated on Thursday night due to the possibility of the building collapsing.
Fire Chief Howard described the imminent collapse of the building’s structure as “pealing an onions”. The condo association that owns it and the fire department gradually learned more about the issues.
According to the fire chief, balconies had been damaged by rust along the building’s facade. Residents were warned not to use them last year. The winter crews started to remove the balconies but the columns supporting them became unstable. On Thursday, it was realized that the columns were so unstable that they could cause the building to collapse. According to Fire Chief Howard and the City Administrator Lahner, the structure was also weaker from a previous windstorm.
Chief continued by stating that the fire department is responsible for checking buildings each year for fire prevention. The state of Wisconsin has made this a mandatory requirement. However, there is no annual inspection of a building’s structure integrity – except when a fire inspector discovers a problem.
Officials said that the building was temporarily secured. Officials are still trying to find a long-term solution that will prevent the building from collapsing and allow residents to return inside.
Statement about building’s structure
Officials provided a statement on Friday regarding the evacuation. According to the Office for the Mayor, Waukesha’s Chief Building Inspector declared the condo building unfit for human occupancy as of Thursday afternoon.
Chief Howard and other city leaders were immediately notified of the numerous structural violations.
Officials claim that residents were told not to use their condo balconies in June 2020 after complaining about the conditions.
Additional inspections were conducted in 2020 and 2021.
Officials claim that the city had ordered fencing to be placed around the building by Sept. 21 due to the degrading condition of the balconies, falling debris and other problems.
The Horizon West Condominium Association started removing balconies in October.
Officials claim that the structural frame and columns were further compromised after the balconies were removed. The Fire Department conducted additional inspections, along with a third-party independent structural engineer and the engineer responsible for the building’s construction throughout November.
A preliminary structural report was completed on Tuesday, November 30, and revealed problems in the load-bearing structure, leading to the conclusion that it was unsafe for the building to be occupied.
Officials say that residents were evacuated successfully on Friday and that the building has been secured. The Salvation Army provided temporary housing in 23 rooms and 65 people were evacuated. Red Cross also provided meals and other health resources to the residents. Red Cross is also looking into emergency housing requirements for the coming days.
Friday morning saw the City and all interested parties review a plan that would provide temporary support to the structure and stabilize it so that there is no imminent collapse.
Assistance to residents and reaction
Officials state that the Salvation Army of Waukesha can assist families with their immediate housing needs.
“We are aware of the emotional impact this has on the families affected by this decision,” Waukesha Fire Station stated in a statement.
One woman, who lived in the condo for six-years, shared her experiences.
“I received a call from my boyfriend, because we live together, and he told me that we had 15 minutes to go,” Alicia Halvensleben stated. “I was able get our cat out, and I don’t know if my socks are there. But I’m pretty certain I have my Packers jersey. I don’t know if they’ll be able to make a deal to give us back some of the money we received.
As per the Salvation army’s order, police evacuated the victims to Baymont for the night.
