Demolition efforts have commenced on a graffiti-adorned building in downtown Miami following a lawsuit filed by the city against Northwestern Capital Corporation.
The building in question, formerly known as the VITAS building, stands at 19 stories and is located on SE 2nd Street. It has been left abandoned, with graffiti covering each of its levels for over a year. Commissioner Damian Pardo confirmed that the demolition began after legal actions were initiated on December 3.
Pardo emphasized the city’s frustration with the building’s condition, acknowledging concerns from local residents. “The VITAS building has been a source of frustration for some of our residents, and we share their concerns about its current condition. Our office has been actively working with the developers and city staff,” he stated.
The process involves coordinating with engineers and professionals to ensure that the demolition aligns with safety regulations. Pardo highlighted that while demolition has finally started, progress has been slower than expected due to the complex nature of the project and the typical seasonal delays.
Residents have been thanked for their patience by city officials, who assure that efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue as swiftly as possible. Pardo affirmed, “This work includes a lawsuit filed by the city, discussions regarding meeting specific conditions, and following a sequence of actions involving engineers and other professionals to ensure everything is done safely and by regulations.”
The city’s goal is to complete the demolition by mid to late January, though unforeseen delays have impacted the timeline. The city remains committed to updating the public on further progress.
The city of Miami, through its diligent efforts and legal actions, is addressing the concerns surrounding the abandoned VITAS building, aiming to revitalize the area by January.
Source: Nbcmiami
