The apartment building located at 1211 S Eaton St, known as the Axel Brewers Hill, was evacuated Friday morning following the discovery of significant damage to its rooftop pool deck. Residents were allowed to return later in the afternoon after structural engineers and a building inspector deemed the individual apartment units safe.
Pool Deck Damage Prompts Evacuation at 1211 S Eaton St
The Baltimore City Fire Department responded to a call at approximately 8 a.m. concerning a leak in the rooftop pool at 1211 S Eaton St. Upon arrival, they determined the leak was potentially compromising the building’s structural integrity, leading to a partial condemnation of the property and the evacuation of residents.
Drone footage revealed that the pool deck had buckled in the shallow end, with tiles askew and lifted off the ground. The shallow end was empty, showing apparent cracks near the drains and filters, while the deeper end remained filled with water.
Approximately 60 units in the section of the building closest to the pool were evacuated door-to-door by the Fire Department. Other residents received text message alerts advising them to avoid the lobby, located directly beneath the pool, and to remove their vehicles from the garage. Subsequent messages described a “structural emergency” and urged residents to stay off their balconies.
Residents Return to 1211 S Eaton St After Inspection
Around 3 p.m., after thorough inspections by structural engineers and a building inspector, residents were permitted to re-enter their apartments at 1211 S Eaton St. However, common areas such as the gym and the area surrounding the damaged pool deck remain closed pending further inspections and necessary repairs.
Excelsior Communities, the property owner, confirmed the pool leak and stated that engineers and repair specialists are working to assess the full extent of the damage and develop a comprehensive repair plan.
Lawsuit Filed Following 1211 S Eaton St Incident
A class-action lawsuit was filed late Friday against Excelsior Communities, JDavis Architects, Wood Partners, and Brewers Hill Realty by two residents of 1211 S Eaton St, alleging negligence and breach of contract. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and an order allowing residents to terminate their leases.
Resident Accounts of 1211 S Eaton St Evacuation
Residents described witnessing the pool deck buckling and expressing concern about the building’s stability. One resident, displaced by a previous fire, expressed uncertainty about future housing arrangements.
Expert Opinion and Background on 1211 S Eaton St Building
A Drexel University engineering professor cautioned about the seriousness of the structural issue, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation. The 1211 S Eaton St apartment complex, completed in 2020, was sold to Excelsior Communities in 2022 for $125 million.
