Florida’s Tall Buildings Are Subsiding—and Other Important Updates for This Week

Luxury high-rises in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, are facing unexpected challenges as engineering assessments reveal that the foundations of some 50-story towers are settling two to three times more than predicted. This alarming shift raises concerns about coastal construction practices and the financial responsibility for potential repairs. (Miami Herald)

In New York, the citys housing market faces a paradox. As stricter rent regulations are proposed, operators of affordable housing are struggling to cover rising costs for insurance, utilities, and upkeep. A recent study suggests that government support totaling around $1 billion may be required to sustain these properties. (The Wall Street Journal)

South Los Angeles is witnessing a transformation in food accessibility. Olympia Auset has launched Sprmarkt, a nonprofit, Afrocentric organic grocery store, turning a historic food desert into a community hub. Crowdfunding and a focus on Black and Latino wellness have helped establish a space where nutritious food is accessible to all. (The Los Angeles Times)

Zillow has discontinued its climate-risk scoring feature after reports that predictions of wildfire and flood dangers were negatively affecting property sales. The decision highlights the difficulty of accurately assessing environmental risk at the individual property level, revealing the tension between transparency for buyers and potential harm to sellers. (The New York Times)

Former President Trump is advocating for the construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House, despite warnings from his own architect about the scale overshadowing the historic residence. Critics argue the initiative appears less as a public enhancement and more as a personal showcase. (The Washington Post)

Author: Harper Simmons