Waukesha Condo Owners Reflect on Year Since Sudden Evacuation
One year ago, residents of the Horizon West Condos in Waukesha were abruptly forced from their homes due to safety concerns about the building’s structural integrity. As they gather today, many are still grappling with the emotional and physical fallout from that night of panic.
Key Points / What’s New
- Condo residents, including families and seniors, are still dealing with the consequences of last year’s evacuation.
- Many affected families face homelessness or financial struggles, including damaged credit scores.
- A lawsuit against Travelers Insurance regarding unpaid claims was dismissed, but owners are appealing the decision.
- The city is seeking to compel the owners to demolish the building, with a hearing set for January.
Continuing Challenges for Condo Owners
Residents from the Horizon West Condos, which includes 48 residential units, are still feeling the impact of their sudden evacuation. With their lives turned upside down, some, like Diane McGeen, express ongoing heartbreak as they recount the chaos of the night when they were told to leave their homes indefinitely.
McGeen’s 87-year-old mother has experienced significant health issues since the evacuation, suffering from a stress fracture and ongoing heart complications. “What was once a vibrant and active life has since changed dramatically,” McGeen noted, describing her mother’s deterioration since the stressful events of last year.
Financial Burdens and Legal Struggles
The ordeal of displacement has led some families into homelessness or into temporary living situations, with some sleeping on couches at relatives’ homes. Others who attempted to secure new apartments have faced financial repercussions, including deteriorated credit ratings due to their inability to meet mortgage payments.
Laurel Peterson, another condo owner, shared her experience of deep emotional distress during the early months after being forced out. “The last year’s been very hectic. It felt surreal not knowing where we would go,” she reflected, showing a photograph of her daughter taken before their abrupt move.
Residents have taken legal action against Travelers Insurance due to denied claims, but a recent ruling went against them. They are currently appealing the decision as they navigate these ongoing hardships. In addition, the city has proposed that the owners cover the costs of demolishing the building, a significant financial burden given their current situations.
Background
The Horizon West Condos were declared structurally unsound on the night of evacuation, causing widespread panic among residents. Many families experienced severe emotional and physical repercussions from the event. The city, concerned about the building’s safety, has taken steps to enforce its demolition, setting a hearing for January to address the future of the property.
