5 Years After Tragic Surfside Condo Collapse Killed 98, Not One Condo Has Sold in the Building Replacing It

The Delmore, a so-called “ultra-luxury boutique oceanfront condominium” in Surfside, Florida, is facing significant difficulties in securing sales, according to company representatives. The ambitious project, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, was mounted on the site of the tragic Champlain Towers South collapse, which occurred in June 2021 and claimed 98 lives.

Damac Properties, a prominent developer based in Dubai, acquired the 1.8-acre site at a court-ordered auction in 2022 for $120 million. The acquisition was part of efforts to allocate funds to the former residents and their families affected by the disaster. The decision to develop luxury condominiums rather than a memorial has provoked criticism and controversy, with many advocating for a tribute to those who lost their lives in the incident.

Despite the successful acquisition, the development and sale of residential units have not proceeded as expected. Damac unveiled plans for the Delmore—a 12-storey structure offering lavish apartments starting at £15 million—back in January 2025. However, according to Jeffrey Rossely, senior vice president of development at Damac, no contracts have been formalised to date. Rossely admitted that the initial soft launch, aimed at generating interest in the project, may have been premature.

While the units at the Delmore boast features of luxury and exclusivity, with prices averaging between £35 million and £40 million and penthouses potentially exceeding £150 million, the market has not responded favourably. Rossely noted attempts to complete deals, including potential contracts for over £200 million worth of units, fell through due to concerns about the source of funding from prospective buyers.

Additionally, Rossely pointed out that Damac’s limited track record in the U.S. real estate market may have contributed to the hesitance of buyers. Historically, the company’s operations have been situated in regions such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UK. As a result, potential clients may possess a degree of scepticism about investing in a project of this magnitude.

Evidence of these challenges was compounded by recent statements from federal investigators with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which provided an update on the investigation into the Champlain Towers South tragedy. Their findings suggested that the collapse initiated from issues relating to the pool deck, raising further public concern about safety in the area.

In light of these setbacks, Damac is reportedly exploring options for a joint venture with another developer that might facilitate the Delmore’s progress. Rossely confirmed that discussions with multiple parties are ongoing, emphasising that Damac remains committed to the project, regardless of potential partnerships.

As of now, the Delmore stands as a symbol of luxury amidst a complex backdrop of tragedy and loss in Surfside. The future of the project remains uncertain, contingent upon both market conditions and public reception. For families affected by the prior catastrophe, the shift from a memorial to a high-end condominium does not go unnoticed, as the community grapples with the site’s history.

Damac has not yet commented on further developments or sales initiatives for the Delmore, leaving questions about the project’s viability still unanswered. As Surfside continues to heal from its past, the potential for luxury living at the site of a significant tragedy raises multifaceted discussions about memory, loss, and the nature of progress.