Bankhead Towers condemned due to multiple fire, building, and housing code violations

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — One day after the city of Birmingham condemned the Bankhead Towers apartments, CBS 42 learned more about the reason why.

According to their website, the high-rise apartment building is home to individuals ages 62 and over and/or disabled. Rents are also based income.

A statement issued by Rick Journey, the Director of Communications in Mayor Randall Woodfin’s office reads in part:

“Thursday’s condemnation of Bankhead Towers is based on multiple fire, building, and housing code violations.”

The statement goes on to say that the city attorney has informed representatives of the property owner, Nuveen, about the conditions in the building and the immediate need for action. Journey writes that the residents’ well-being is the top priority for the city, and they’ve been assured steps will be taken by the property owner.

On Friday, CBS 42 News spoke with the sister of a resident who did not want to show her face on camera, but had concerns for her older brother:

“He’s had flooding in his apartment, he’s had things that need to be fixed, standing water,” she explained. She said there is black mold in his apartment.

She believes everyone needs to be relocated to a safe location while the issues are being addressed. While longtime resident Freddie Woods likes his apartment, he acknowledged there are issues with water leaking in the lobby area when it rains.

Water stains on ceiling tiles in the lobby area were visible from the sidewalk when the doors opened. On Thursday, Sept. 26, Millennia Housing Management distributed a letter to residents which reads in part, “Regarding the notice posted on the front door, please know that we are correcting all issues.”

We reached out to the property owner Nuveen, and Millennia Housing Management.

Friday evening, Kendall Maggard, a Manager of Communications with Millenia Housing Management sent us the following statement:

As the property management team responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and operations of Bankhead Towers, The Millennia Companies is aware of the condemnation order and is actively preparing to make the required repairs. The management team is committed to supporting residents throughout this process and sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.