February 6, 2025

Structural Integrity Concerns in Myrtle Beach and Charleston High-Rises

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News Summary

Renaissance Tower in Myrtle Beach has been evacuated due to severe structural weaknesses, akin to issues seen in Champlain Towers South. Charleston’s historic Peoples Building faces similar concerns. As rising sea levels and flooding threaten coastal structures, local governments push for better monitoring and legislative responses to ensure safety for residents.

Structural Integrity Fears Rock Myrtle Beach and Charleston High-Rises

Evacuation Alarm Bells Ring in Myrtle Beach

In a significant and alarming development, Renaissance Tower in Myrtle Beach has been evacuated due to serious structural weaknesses identified by an engineer. This 22-story condominium complex became a focal point of concern after an evaluation revealed corroded steel and concrete support structures. The evacuation was ordered on October 7 by Horry County Code Enforcement as fears mounted surrounding the stability of the building.

Residents of Renaissance Tower are now grappling with the ramifications of this alarming situation, as a federal lawsuit for negligence has been filed against the building’s homeowners’ association. Disturbingly, the structural issues that prompted the evacuation were known for over five years, leading many to express frustration and anxiety regarding the inadequate communication with the management about necessary repairs.

Lessons from the Past: The Champlain Towers Collapse

The structural concerns at Renaissance Tower have drawn unsettling parallels to the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, in June 2021, a disaster that claimed the lives of 98 individuals. Experts highlight that the design of high-rises in coastal areas must account for specific factors, including wind pressure and proximity to the ocean. Historical data suggests that tall buildings in the region may not be adequately equipped to withstand these challenges.

Given the absence of zoning restrictions, there are fears that buildings could reach towering heights similar to New York’s One World Trade Center, without maintaining sufficient structural integrity to support them. Typically, in coastal South Carolina, buildings over six to eight stories require concrete auger piling systems for stabilization due to the variable limestone layer situated 25 to 50 feet below the surface.

The Cost of Neglect: A Heavy Burden for Residents

With repairs estimated to exceed $2 million, residents of Renaissance Tower are now facing financial challenges as assessments for individual units have ranged from $3,700 to $9,270. The reserve funds available, under $1.3 million, have been deemed insufficient to cover the anticipated repair costs. Concerns regarding ongoing structural safety have intensified on the heels of recent events, as local governments in South Carolina do not mandate periodic inspections for buildings once they receive occupancy approval.

Charleston Faces Its Own Structural Concerns

Beyond Myrtle Beach, Charleston has also witnessed alarming structural failures. The historic Peoples Building, which dates back to 1910, was evacuated this year due to the corrosion of a crucial steel support beam. This evacuation raises further worries about the structural integrity of older high-rises in the area, particularly as extensive rain has been identified as a probable cause of the corrosion in the Peoples Building.

The situation has exacerbated with rising **sea levels** and increased flooding, leading to more **frequent tidal floods** in Charleston than ever before. Approximately 500 tall structures in the coastal region are now deemed at risk due to the corrosive effects of saltwater, with approximately 230 of those buildings being at least three decades old.

Legislative Response and Future Monitoring

In light of these pressing concerns, South Carolina State Representative Wendell Gilliard has proposed the establishment of a Coastal Structural Stability Study Committee. This initiative aims to address the safety concerns linked to high-rises following the tragic Florida collapse. A proactive approach towards building inspections and structural assessments is now being emphasized, as existing procedures primarily respond to complaints rather than conducting routine inspections.

As climate change amplifies severe weather patterns, the risk to structural integrity in coastal regions persists. Builders are also confronting growing concerns regarding construction defects, with newer structures facing challenges related to water intrusion and maintenance problems.

The call for **proactive monitoring** of buildings, along with a prompt investigation of any signs of distress, is growing louder among local officials. Safety must become a priority to ensure the well-being of residents and the preservation of architectural history in the face of increasing environmental challenges.