Commission requires engineering report, 45-day compliance for repairs at Array Apartments building

The Building and Standards Commission on Feb. 20 adopted staff’s recommended order for Building 25 at The Array Apartments, 2000 Burton Drive, requiring the owner provide a written engineering assessment and complete repairs and permits within 45 days.

Investigator Kevin Berry presented the repeat-offender case for Building 25, describing cracked brick mortar and retaining walls, sidewalks pulling away from the structure and interior wall cracking in Unit 147. Berry said the building, constructed in 1972 and owned by Ray Holdings LSP LLC since August 2022, had been posted and inspected multiple times since a periodic inspection in September 2024. He recommended a written engineering report prepared by a Texas-licensed engineer, permits and corrective work to be completed within 45 days and a civil penalty of $1,000 per week beginning if compliance is not achieved.

Leslie Zuniga, property manager for The Array, asked the commission for the maximum extension allowed because the owner is obtaining engineering reports and coordinating repairs. Commissioner Francis asked why the additional time was needed; Zuniga said the engineering report is taking longer than anticipated. Investigator Berry confirmed an engineer was being sought but that staff had not yet received a report.

Vice Chair Campbell moved to adopt staff’s proposed findings and the recommended order without modification; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. Because Commissioner Tomlovich had stepped off the dais for that item, the vote recorded six ayes and no nays: Commissioner Lockhart (aye), Commissioner Ostalugo (aye), Commissioner Francis (aye), Commissioner Selig (aye), Vice Chair Campbell (aye) and Chair Timothy Stowstad (aye).

The commission’s order requires the owner, within 45 days from the date the order is mailed, to: provide a written engineering report prepared by a Texas-licensed engineer evaluating the current and long-term structural integrity of the building; obtain and finalize all necessary permits; correct the violations cited in the order; and request inspections from the City of Austin Development Services Department. On the 46th day, if compliance has not been achieved, staff may assess a civil penalty of $1,000 per week until repairs are complete and interest will accrue at 10% per year on assessed amounts.

Investigator Berry and the property manager were advised to coordinate on the engineering report and repair schedule; staff will verify compliance via Development Services inspections and may assess penalties if the order is not met.