SPI's 'leaning tower' to be demolished

SPI's 'leaning tower' to be demolished
By Rio Grande Guardian

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Sept. 21 - Ocean Tower, the 31-story building dubbed by many as the “leaning tower of South Padre Island," is to be demolished.

The 158-unit skyscraper, situated on the north end of the island, was sinking slowly into the sand.

The tower will be demolished, probably in mid-November, through implosion by Controlled Demolition, Inc., the company that set a Guinness World Record when it “imploded” the Seattle Kingdome.

“After careful consideration, we believe it is in the best interest of all parties involved, including the people of South Padre Island, to demolish Ocean Tower,” said Ocean Tower, LP, in a prepared statement.

“Unfortunately, multiple engineering studies have led us to the conclusion that it is not economically feasible to complete the building and to provide the caliber of condominium tower that we intended to build. We believe the responsible action at this point is to clear the site to enable potential future development of the property.”

In the statement, Oceans Tower said it is important for residents and visitors to know the problems with the building are specific to this project. “We believe South Padre Island remains a viable and desirable place to build that continues to attract economic development and growth,” the statement said.

Construction of Ocean Tower was halted in summer 2008 after it was determined that the building had experienced differential settlement of more than 14 inches, which resulted in cracks in the beams and columns of the structure.

It was supposed to offer a luxurious setting for South Padre Island tourists, with 134 condominiums on 25 floors. Four high-speed elevators were installed along with fine interior design, luxurious bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, security, hydro-jet pools, a Beach Club; a Kid’s Club, a gym & spa, a media room and much more. Penthouse and condominiums levels were available ranging from two-bedrooms with two-baths to three-bedrooms with three-baths.

Developers of nearby properties were concerned that news about Ocean Tower's safety would hurt their projects.

Last November, Antun T. Domit, of Ocean Tower SPI, sent a letter to buyers of condominiums in Ocean Tower to say there were no immediate prospects for completion of the project. Local realtors had begun selling units in the building to local Rio Grande Valley residents, as well as some from Mexico, Canada and Europe.

”Over the past six months, we attempted to maintain the commitment of Ocean Tower’s
general contractor and lenders while studying the settlement and repair of the building,” Domit said.

“Unfortunately, our efforts have been unsuccessful. Last week, with a proposal pending for the study and repair of the tower, the general contractor discharged its subcontractors and walked off the job.”

Domit said the contractor’s refusal to participate further in the study came at a time when Ocean Tower’s lenders refused to advance additional funds for the study, repair, and/or construction of the tower.

“With the future of Ocean Tower in serious question, we release you from your purchase
agreement and plan to immediately return your earnest money,” Domit said.

“This has been a difficult decision for us to make, but under the circumstances and given our desire to maintain your trust, we feel that we have no alternative. Obviously, no one anticipated the extensive delay or the problems the project is presently suffering. We are taking steps to have your earnest money returned. Please take a look at the attached release.”

In its statement on Monday, Ocean Tower, LP, acknowledged that litigation is currently pending against the geotechnical and structural engineers of Ocean Tower. There are claims that the settlement of the condominiums is the result of a flawed engineering design.

Ocean Tower, LP, said it has hired one of the nation’s premier demolition firms, Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI), to demolish the tower through implosion. The company promises as little impact as possible on the local community.

CDI has safely demolished thousands of structures worldwide, including the Seattle Kingdome, the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas and the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.

Mark Loizeaux, president of CDI, said his company is in the process of establishing a site office and mobilizing resources at Ocean Tower. He said CDI will maintain frequent communication with regulatory agencies and adjacent property owners to ensure the local community’s concerns are addressed.

“In the coming weeks, we will be contacting nearby property owners, listening to their needs and keeping them informed throughout the process,” Loizeaux said. “We have been demolishing structures for more than 65 years and have an unparalleled safety and success record. Our methods are designed to minimize disruption, optimize safety and protect adjacent properties and the environment. We will conduct the Ocean Tower demolition with the utmost sensitivity to the local community.”

More than 98 percent of the above-grade materials used to build Ocean Tower will be recycled or reused, including all steel and concrete, according to Ocean Tower, LP. Steel and concrete can be recycled for other development projects in the region. Items that can be removed safely and reused, such as bathtubs, granite flooring and windows, are currently being removed from the building, the company said.

Record numbers of students attending STC, UTPA

Record numbers of students attending STC, UTPA

Dave Gragg
The Monitor

McALLEN — Student enrollment is on the rise at the Upper Rio Grande Valley’s two main schools of higher learning.

South Texas College reported the number of students enrolled in its campuses jumped by more than 5,000 students this year compared to a year ago. The University of Texas-Pan American, meanwhile, has almost 1,200 more students than it had at this time last year.

Enrollment in community colleges typically goes up when the economy slows down and jobs are scarce, said Juan Mejia, STC’s vice president of academic affairs.

"The economy played a role, but not the only role,” he said.

He also credits several joint initiatives with school districts and economic development corporations such as dual-enrollment programs, in which students receive both high school and college credit for taking a course.

“The community has built a college-going and workforce-readiness culture,” Mejia said.

The college also has increased its online offerings and night and weekend classes, he said.

The more than 27,000 students at STC are equivalent to almost 20,000 full-time students, so many students are taking bigger course loads than they have in the past, Mejia said.

STC’s strong relationship with UTPA makes it easier for students to take basic courses at the lower-cost STC, then transfer those credits to finish out their bachelor’s degrees at the university, he said.

UTPA’s 18,000 students translate into about 14,000 full-time students, according to the university’s Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, although official numbers won’t be available until mid-October.

Dave Gragg is the metro editor for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4435.