Elevators at Tower Shut Down Amid Structural Safety Concerns

Structural safety concerns about the 33-story The Royalton at River Oaks condominium tower in Houston west of downtown prompted city officials to pull its occupancy permit and suddenly evacuate residents on August 11, KHOU-11 reports. The Houston Fire Department initially responded to a water line break that buckled floors and structurally damaged a wall. Residents were allowed back on August 12 to pick up essentials, but were forced to take the stairs as elevators remained shut down. Property managers told residents that structural engineers are assessing the situation, but that some of the water damage appears to be “extensive” and they are not sure when they can return. Built in the early 2000s, tower is known for its architectural crown and being the former home of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.