The apartment building located at 1211 S Eaton St, known as the Axel Brewers Hill, was evacuated Friday morning due to significant damage to its rooftop pool deck. After a thorough inspection by structural engineers and a building inspector, Baltimore City Fire Department declared the residential units safe for re-entry around 3 p.m. However, areas like the gym and the vicinity of the pool deck remain closed pending further assessments and repairs.
Incident at 1211 S Eaton St: Pool Deck Failure Prompts Evacuation
The Baltimore City Fire Department responded to a call at approximately 8 a.m. concerning a leak in the rooftop pool at 1211 S Eaton St. The leak raised concerns about potential structural compromise to the building, leading to a partial condemnation of the property and the evacuation of residents. Drone footage revealed that the pool deck in the shallow end had buckled, with tiles dislodged and cracks visible near the drains. The deeper end of the pool remained filled with water.
Crews worked to drain the pool while residents gathered in nearby streets and businesses. The Fire Department evacuated approximately 60 units closest to the pool, while other residents received text messages advising them to avoid the lobby, located directly beneath the pool, and later to remove their vehicles from the building’s garage.
Response and Investigation at Axel Brewers Hill (1211 S Eaton St)
Excelsior Communities, the property owner, confirmed the pool leak and stated that engineers and repair specialists are working to determine the extent of the damage and develop a comprehensive repair plan. A spokesperson for the company emphasized that swift action was taken to secure the area and ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
A proposed class-action lawsuit was filed late Friday against Excelsior Communities, the architects, developers, and building management company by two residents of 1211 S Eaton St. The lawsuit alleges negligence and breach of contract, seeking damages and an order allowing residents to terminate their leases.
Residents described witnessing the pool deck buckling and expressing concern about the building’s stability. One resident recounted seeing building staff actively working to evacuate residents. While the building has been deemed safe for re-entry to the residential units, the incident has left some residents displaced and uncertain about their future housing arrangements.
1211 S Eaton St: Building History and Expert Opinion
The apartment complex at 1211 S Eaton St is relatively new, having been constructed between 2018 and 2020. City records indicate the 372-unit complex received its operating permit in October 2020 and was sold in 2022 for $125 million to Excelsior Communities.
A structural engineering professor, while cautious about making definitive statements without reviewing the building’s plans, noted the seriousness of the situation, stating that the structure is “in trouble.”
