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In collapsed building's twin, most residents are staying put

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Posted at 3:02 AM, Jun 29, 2021
and last updated 2021-06-29 07:24:29-04

About a block from the Miami-area beachfront condominium tower that collapsed sits its sister building, Champlain Towers North.

It was erected in 1982 — a year after the now-partially collapsed Champlain Towers South — built by the same company, using the same materials and a similar design.

It has faced the same tides and salty air.

Last Thursday's collapse has made some residents of Champlain Towers North worried enough to leave, though most have remained. They say they are confident their almost 40-year-old, 12-story building is better maintained.

They say their building doesn't have the same problems with cracking in support beams and in the pool area that 2018 engineering reports show the south tower had.

"I've never seen any major structural issues" in the north building, said Philip Zyne, an attorney. "I'm not worried at all right now. I do want to get a full structural engineering and forensic examination done."

However, some residents aren't taking any chances, like Rebecca Weinstock, who bought a sixth-floor apartment four years ago. She's currently in New York, where she plans to stay.

"I am out my investment, I am out my apartment, I am out my future, but we are talking about lives here," she told the Associated Press.

She added she'll only return to the building if two independent engineers from outside the region determine it's safe to return.