b'Suncoast Review is the quarterlypublication of the SuncoastChapter of the CommunityAssociations Institute. For storyand photo submissions, pleasecontact the offices of SuncoastChapter CAI at 727.345.0165.www.SuncoastCAI.comStay connected with us onsocial media @SuncoastCAI FALL 2021VOL. 15NO. 59(Below): Champlain Towers South(Above): An early-morning view of the devastation fromthe Champlain Towers South condo collapse in Surfside.The condo had been sinking for years, and so are otherFlorida structures. While studying satellite data from the1990s, FIU earth sciences professor Shimon Wdowinskidiscovered evidence that parts of Miami Beach andSurfside have been gradually sinking for decades. In avideo interview produced by FIU, Wdowinski said thatincluded the precise spot of the June 24, 2021 buildingcollapse. Photo by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.THE CHALLENGE OF AGING FLORIDA CONDOMINIUMSby Alan E. Tannenbaum Esq.Board-Certified Construction LawyerIn the early 80s, Robert Crain, a well-known engineer The definition of useful life that I will use for pur-in the condo construction defect world, was asked by poses of this article is the point where the cost of tryingHUD to opine on the anticipated useful life of condo- torehabilitateastructurebecomesexcessive,makingminium buildings built in Florida.His conclusion demo and reconstruction, or even abandonment, thewas 50 years.This has proven to be a reasonably accu- betterbusinessdecision.ThechallengewithFloridarate average, but as was seen with the recent tragic col- condo buildings reaching the end of their useful lives islapse in South Floridas Surfside of Champlain Towers that condo associations are highly regulated, and boardsSouth, poor initial design and construction, combined and management, in dealing with aging buildings, arewith neglected maintenance, can lead to structural constrained under both statute and declarations of con-failure of a building only 40 years of age. dominium. Feature column continued on page 8 F'