Lawsuit Filed Against Downtown Orlando High-Rise Featuring Publix

Another high-rise condo project in downtown Orlando is facing serious trouble. In a $20 million lawsuit filed Friday, the developer is accused of hiding dangerous defects from buyers.

The Paramount on Lake Eolais project is located just south of Lake Eola on Central Boulevard between Lake and Osceola avenues (see map). The pricey condos cost more than $300,000. The building includes a Publix supermarket being constructed at the base of the building, but the project has been plagued by problems.

With breathtaking views of Lake Eola and a resort-style pool, developer Steve Patterson easily found buyers for all but five of the 313 units in the Paramount on Lake Eola. But after cracks formed in the concrete and the building's safety was called into question, some buyers wanted to back out and filed a lawsuit because Patterson wouldn't let them.

"What's broken? Show me something that's broken! These are the biggest beams in the entire building right here," Patterson said, adding that he spent an estimated $20 million bringing in steel beams to bear the burden the cracking concrete couldn't. "I may wash my feet in that lake and be watching people live in this building. But I'll tell you one thing, I'm gonna be happy they're living here, 'cause I know they're safe. I'm not gonna make a dime on this building."

The estimated $20 million suit says Patterson was obligated to tell buyers about the cracks so buyers could decide if it was worth the risk, but he admits he gave no such notice.

"We haven't told anyone anything other than we had a problem in the beginning and fixed it," he said.

Now, city officials say the building's foundation is solid, but with three weeks of construction remaining, even Patterson admits the lawsuit has him worried for its future.

Patterson still plans to have the building done in time to watch Fourth of July fireworks and Publix said, despite the lawsuit, they still plan to open by Labor Day.