Repairs are underway at the Rialto Apartments on Sand Lake Road in Orlando after a void opened beneath the building earlier this year, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The building is currently roped off and unoccupied, as efforts are underway to prevent further sinking or collapse. Photos from an engineering firm hired by the Rialto show the void beneath the building and a grout mixture being pumped into the three-foot-by-fifteen-foot opening beneath two of the units as part of the stabilization process.That work was completed in April. The Rialto’s parent company, Northland Properties, said they are still monitoring the building’s stability and investigating the cause of the gap. The first signs of trouble at the Rialto appeared in March, when Orange County firefighters evacuated residents after some called 911. Several residents were trapped in their units, unable to open their doors because the building had shifted. Cracks were also visible in the walls in several areas. Northland Properties said most residents have chosen to cancel their leases, with 179 units terminated and 173 residents moving out. However, some residents are holding onto their leases while the investigation continues. A final engineering report is expected soon, and a hearing is anticipated regarding a lawsuit filed by residents against Rialto’s owner.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Repairs are underway at the Rialto Apartments on Sand Lake Road in Orlando after a void opened beneath the building earlier this year, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
The building is currently roped off and unoccupied, as efforts are underway to prevent further sinking or collapse.
Photos from an engineering firm hired by the Rialto show the void beneath the building and a grout mixture being pumped into the three-foot-by-fifteen-foot opening beneath two of the units as part of the stabilization process.
That work was completed in April.
The Rialto’s parent company, Northland Properties, said they are still monitoring the building’s stability and investigating the cause of the gap.
The first signs of trouble at the Rialto appeared in March, when Orange County firefighters evacuated residents after some called 911.
Several residents were trapped in their units, unable to open their doors because the building had shifted. Cracks were also visible in the walls in several areas.
Northland Properties said most residents have chosen to cancel their leases, with 179 units terminated and 173 residents moving out. However, some residents are holding onto their leases while the investigation continues.
A final engineering report is expected soon, and a hearing is anticipated regarding a lawsuit filed by residents against Rialto’s owner.