Celebration apartments deemed not safe for residents

CELEBRATION, Fla. — A damaged apartment complex in Celebration has been deemed unsafe, officials said Monday.

Multiple units at the Sola at Celebration apartments, which are two years old, are cracking at 1662 Celebration Boulevard.

During a recent repair project, crews noticed that the damage was much more extensive then they first thought.

"They invested in a complex that's basically sinking and now they're trying to recoup their losses," said resident Steven Kapusta, who has lived in his apartment a year and a half.

Forefront Architecture and Engineering found "extreme deterioration" of the "wood structural members" and cited "questionable construction methods" in the buildings.

The Osceola County building inspector has issued a “yellow tag” on the property, which means residents can only stay there for the next 30 days, and only at their own risk.

Southstar Management I, LLC, who oversees the property told about 200 residents in a letter that residents should begin searching for a new home immediately and that residents will receive a security deposit refund and August rent refund. Residents have 30 days to leave.

Cox Media Group