UPDATE from the City of Orange Beach: The building has been inspected by the Engineer of Record and cleared for occupancy as of April 5, 2024 at 9:00pm. (See document below.)

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Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Forty two condo units at the south east tower of the Wind Drift Condominium building in Orange Beach were evacuated Wednesday night after city officials and the fire marshal discovered unsafe conditions. The Wind Drift condominiums, located on both the north and south side of Perdido Beach Boulevard, faced immediate evacuation in the east tower on the south side of the highway, affecting residents and vacationers. The city has issued a warning, prohibiting any return to the units until further safety assurances are provided.

City Administrator Ford Handley said in a statement. "On Wednesday April 3rd, the City was made aware of unpermitted construction work being performed on the East tower of Wind Drift Condominiums.  City staff began an investigation to determine the scope of the work being performed and its impact on the structural integrity of the building. While the City continues the investigation, it was determined that the structure needed to be evacuated. Our focus has been and remains on the safety of our citizens and visitors to the City. We will provide updates as information becomes available."

The investigation is ongoing and we will publish more information when it comes available.

Wind Drift Condos were built in 1984 and the property covers the north and south sides of the Perdido Beach Blvd.