CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – People living in a downtown Charleston condo complex have been told to evacuate because of a potential structural issue.
The Dockside Condominiums were built in the 1970s and are located on Concord Street beside the International African American Museum.
Residents were going in and out of the gated community as they normally would on Thursday as they have until 5:00 p.m. on Friday before they must be evacuated.
Residents were told to pack their perishable items but to leave behind all furniture.
City of Charleston officials shared that this situation stems from a contractor, SKA, inspecting the building back in 2022.
They were renovating a privately owned unit when they found issues with the column and floor connection. Then, after inspecting some other parts of the building, they found the structural issues stemmed from problems with the initial construction. SKA did not deem the building unsafe at the time.
More recently, the Dockside Association hired another engineering firm, WJE, to conduct a more in-depth investigation to assess the load capacity of the floors. This firm sent a letter to Dockside on Tuesday saying the building was unsafe for continued occupancy.
The tower building has 112 units, 60-70% of which are occupied full- time.
Harry Traulsen Jr. has been renting at Dockside for nearly four years and says he was able to find a furnished place in Charleston to rent until this situation is resolved.
“There’s been a lot going on in the building for a long time and I’m surprised we are getting a vacate order but that’s the city and safety is the most important thing that we can do,” Traulsen said.
Dockside’s board of directors said Wednesday evening that they are working closely with residents to ensure a smooth and safe transition out of the building.
It is unknown how long these residents will be out of their homes.
“I’m not paying rent if I’m not here,” Traulsen said. ”Unfortunately, I paid March already because I like to pay ahead but the rent that I would pay here is now going to have to go towards the new place I’m renting.”
Dockise Board of Directors released the following statement regarding the evacuation.
“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our residents, visitors and staff. This afternoon, we were informed by the City of Charleston that for safety reasons, we have to evacuate the townhomes adjacent to Dockside Condominiums in downtown Charleston.”
City of Charleston officials are working with the engineering firm that deemed the building unsafe to plan the next steps.
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