Miami is never short of real estate drama, but what happened yesterday in Miami Beach is a true rarity as the shell of the former Marlborough House, located at 5775 Collins Avenue has come crashing to the ground. The accidental collapse shut down a large portion of Collins Avenue and has left a project manager hospitalized in critical condition. The demolition was supposed to take 2 weeks and was being overseen by subcontractor AlliedBean. Winmar Construction, the contractor for the project applied for a demolition permit in August 27, which was denied before reapplying and being issued a conventional demolition permit in May 2018. Wimnar has since stated that AlliedBean Demolition Contractors was responsible for all demolition work.
The project has not been without its other share of drama, as neighbors opposed the project when first revealed, complaining about a "Condo Canyon" effect which is caused by newer building taking up the entire lots they are built on in terms of width. This would block partial views of the ocean as well as limit public access to the beach. The proposal was later approved by the Miami Beach Design Review Board in December 2017.
The new building at 5775 Collins, which is being developed by Jose Isaac Peres' Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management and is being designed by Arquitectonica. The luxury residential tower will rise 17 stories and feature 89 units. The building would also feature 2 levels of semi-subterranean parking. The proposed tower is outfitted with white stucco-tipped slabs with a glazed glass skin on the units. The balconies will be finished with with a warm brown wood, with planks oriented and glass rails. There will also be 2 penthouses with private pools. Amenities will include a beachfront pool and lounge areas. No new adjusted timeline has been released following the collapse.
Check out the video of the collapse below:
Photos via Sun Sentinel & Arquitectonica