No timeline for return after Santa Clara condo evacuated over structural concerns

No timeline for residents' return after structural issues at Santa Clara condo

A condominium complex in Santa Clara was evacuated over the weekend after officials found displaced concrete at the site, but found no danger of imminent collapse, the city said. As of Monday, there was still no timeline for residents to return to their homes.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - A condominium complex in Santa Clara was evacuated over the weekend after officials found displaced concrete at the site, but found no danger of imminent collapse, the city said. As of Monday, there was still no timeline for residents to return to their homes.

Displaced concrete

What we know:

Just before 7 p.m. on Saturday, the Santa Clara Fire Department received reports of displaced concrete at the 56-unit Villa Bella condos at 1850 El Camino Real. 

Fearing a potential building collapse, firefighters arrived and evacuated about 60 people who were inside the building and told the residents of homes behind the complex on Clay Street that they should evacuate as well. 

Both directions of El Camino Real were closed between Scott Boulevard and Pierce Street.  Some sort of rebar, or other metal, could be seen protruding from over the parking garage on the north side of the building. 

Displaced residents were given shelter at the Community Recreation Center on Kiely Boulevard, but most people made their own arrangements, the city said. Only two people stayed over on Saturday night, and none on Sunday night, according to city officials. 

On Sunday morning, a team of structural engineers with the developer, the condo's homeowners' association and engineers with the city carried out an assessment of the building and determined there was no danger of imminent collapse, but that the north side of the building would need to be shored up before residents can return.

Construction and repairs

What's next:

According to the city, the developer will be responsible for the construction and repairs.  

In a statement to KTVU the developer Legend SantaClara, LLC, said: "As the city has publicly confirmed, the consensus is that the building is not in imminent danger of collapse. Temporary shoring measures are being evaluated and coordinated as required prior to reoccupation. We remain committed to working in good faith with all relevant parties while the engineering assessment process continues," the statement said. 

Residents on Clay Street were permitted to return to their homes, but an estimated 130 people in total were displaced.

The fire department initially assisted residents with retrieving their pets, medications and other essentials, but those responsibilities have now been turned over to building management.