Ultra-Luxury Condos at Surfside Tragedy Site: A New Beginning or Insensitive Development?

A highly controversial project has been announced for the site of the 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside, Florida, where 98 lives were tragically lost. DAMAC Properties, a Dubai-based developer, has unveiled plans for an ultra-luxury condominium project named "The Delmore." Priced at a starting point of $15 million per unit, the development boasts 37 "mansions in the sky" alongside extravagant amenities such as a meditation garden, private butlers, and a 75-foot suspended swimming pool. The announcement has reignited strong emotions in the community, with critics questioning the timing and sensitivity of the project.

The Vision for The Delmore

DAMAC's plans for The Delmore highlight exclusivity and luxury tailored to the world’s wealthiest buyers. The development’s highlights include:

• Fully furnished units averaging 7,000 square feet with four to five bedrooms

• A meditation garden featuring reflective pools, botanical serenity paths, and yoga spaces

• A private restaurant exclusively for residents and guests

• A 75-foot swimming pool suspended 125 feet in the air

• Around-the-clock residential butlers and concierge services

Dubbed a "billionaire’s triangle," the project aims to redefine ultra-luxury living in South Florida, with an average unit price of $33 million. The announcement comes with a projected completion date of 2029 and a marketing campaign spearheaded by the Douglas Elliman real estate firm.

However, the absence of any mention of the 2021 collapse in marketing materials has raised eyebrows and stirred controversy among victims' families and community leaders.

Community Concerns: "They Hope People Forget"

The tragedy at the Champlain Towers South site remains a painful memory for many. Family members of the victims, including Martin Langesfeld—who lost his sister and brother-in-law in the collapse—have expressed disappointment in DAMAC’s approach to the project. According to Langesfeld, the project’s marketing should acknowledge the tragedy and incorporate a memorial as a priority.

Former Surfside Town Commissioner Eliana Salzhauer echoed these sentiments, calling the site a "graveyard" and accusing developers of hoping the public moves on.

Calls for Memorial Integration

DAMAC has committed $1.5 million to a memorial project that will be located on an adjacent roadway. While this gesture offers some solace, critics argue it falls short of honoring the significance of the site. Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett emphasized the need for a "sensitive" approach that respects the site’s history, suggesting that the developer has a unique opportunity to address the tragedy respectfully.

"The challenge for the developer is to be honest and blend their efforts with a deep respect for the history of that site," Burkett said.

DAMAC’s spokesperson, Jeffery Rossely, defended the project, stating that transparency with buyers includes providing a "memento book" detailing the history of the site. However, critics argue this gesture does not absolve the developer of the need to actively acknowledge the tragedy in public-facing materials.

Safety and Investigation Updates

The collapse of Champlain Towers South remains under investigation, with a federal report expected by 2026. Preliminary findings indicate that the collapse likely originated in the building’s pool deck area due to structural deficiencies. DAMAC’s plans for The Delmore included rigorous ground testing to ensure safety, with Rossely reporting favorable subsurface conditions.

The tragedy has prompted legislative changes in Florida, requiring stricter building inspections and structural repairs for coastal properties. While these measures aim to prevent future disasters, they have also increased financial burdens for condo owners across the state.

The Debate: Closure or Commercialization?

DAMAC’s decision to omit references to the collapse from its marketing campaign has sparked a larger debate about whether the project represents closure or commercialization. Rossely justified the omission, explaining, "You just don’t necessarily lead a campaign with [the collapse]."

Still, many community members feel the move prioritizes profits over respect. The site’s auction in 2021—for $120 million—was heavily criticized by victims’ families who had hoped it would be preserved as a memorial. While DAMAC’s financial contribution to a future memorial is welcomed, critics argue that dedicating part of the site itself to remembrance would be more meaningful.

What’s Next for Surfside?

As Surfside continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, the town faces challenges in balancing redevelopment with remembrance. Local officials are pushing for the memorial to be completed before The Delmore’s construction ends in 2029, but logistical concerns—such as construction disruptions—may delay the project.

DAMAC’s entry into the U.S. real estate market marks a significant milestone for the developer, which has pledged $20 billion in U.S. investments. However, its inaugural project faces scrutiny not only for its price tag but for its perceived insensitivity.

Insights

What are DAMAC’s plans for honoring the victims of the Champlain Towers South collapse?
DAMAC has pledged $1.5 million toward a memorial located on an adjacent roadway. However, some community members feel this effort is insufficient and advocate for a memorial on the original site.

How has the tragedy influenced Florida’s building laws?
The collapse led to new legislation mandating more frequent inspections and structural repairs for coastal buildings. These measures aim to prevent similar disasters but have increased costs for condo owners.

What makes The Delmore project unique in Miami’s luxury real estate market?
The Delmore features extravagant amenities such as suspended pools, meditation gardens, and exclusive butler services. Its target audience includes ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking permanent residences in South Florida’s "billionaire’s triangle."

When will the federal investigation into the collapse be completed?
The investigation’s final report is expected by 2026, with preliminary findings pointing to structural failures in the pool deck area.

How is DAMAC addressing concerns about site safety?
DAMAC conducted extensive subsurface testing, which revealed conditions "better than expected," ensuring the site’s suitability for redevelopment.

As The Delmore progresses toward completion, the tension between honoring the past and embracing a new chapter for Surfside remains at the forefront of community discussions. While some see the project as a fresh start, others urge greater acknowledgment of the tragedy’s legacy.