Hurricane Ian was one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the U.S. Just shy of Category 5, it made landfall in Fort Myers as a Category 4, unleashing catastrophic damage and causing $115.2 billion in losses.
Fort Myers saw record-breaking storm surge of up to 12 feet on the barrier islands. Saltwater from nearby estuaries rushed inland, overwhelming homes and infrastructure. The storm also dropped 10 inches of rain across 3,500 square miles, leading to widespread flooding.
One of the affected properties was a private condominium community in Fort Myers. Ninety-seven units suffered damage from the surge, floodwaters, and wind. In several end units, inward-swinging doors were blown open, allowing water to flood interiors up to two feet deep. The saltwater contamination was classified as Category 3, requiring full removal of all impacted materials and finishes.
The aftermath of Hurricane Ian created significant logistical and operational hurdles. Access to the site was restricted due to widespread storm damage and prolonged power outages. Permitting delays were another major barrier. With local inspection departments overwhelmed, it took nearly six months to release all necessary permits.
The community’s ownership structure added further complications. Many condo owners were out of state and difficult to reach in the immediate aftermath. Florida regulations required a signed Notice of Commencement from each individual owner before work could begin, slowing mobilization. On top of that, no two units were alike. Each had varying finishes, degrees of damage, and restoration needs.
The scale and complexity of the project demanded close coordination among 97 owners, the condo association, local authorities, and insurance representatives. CRC was also brought into discussions with FEMA. Since FEMA flood policies exclude general conditions, CRC needed to develop a strategy for structuring construction estimates within the limits of available coverage, without compromising the scope or quality of work.
CRC was recommended by a trusted mitigation provider already engaged in emergency response and demolition. Once mitigation was underway, CRC was brought in to take over the full rebuild. The two teams worked in close coordination, ensuring a smooth transition that kept the project timeline on track.
From the beginning, CRC focused on strategy and communication. The team established strong lines of contact with the condo association and immediately began reaching out to all 97 individual unit owners to collect required documentation, finish selections, and special requests. This early effort helped prevent delays and align expectations across the board.
As mitigation wrapped up, CRC mobilized quickly. They advanced permitting efforts, secured full site access, and began reconstruction using a phased approach. Given the tight labor market and supply chain pressures, this method allowed work to proceed efficiently while balancing resources across the 11 buildings and clubhouse.
CRC also led the way on insurance and compliance issues. They worked directly with the condo association and FEMA to define scope, structure costs, and navigate policy limitations. Even after the project’s completion, CRC remained involved—supporting condo owners and maintaining the strong relationships built throughout the process.
CRC completed the restoration of all 97 condo units, the clubhouse, and shared spaces over an 18-month timeline. The $13 million project was delivered on schedule and within budget, even with major challenges like permitting delays, material shortages, and strict insurance constraints.
The team’s ability to coordinate across so many individual owners, while staying aligned with the condo association, was key to the project’s success. Communication was clear. Execution was steady. CRC adapted quickly and solved problems as they arose.
In the end, the work went far beyond rebuilding structures. CRC helped restore a community. Today, the property reflects not just the quality of the craftsmanship but the care and commitment behind every decision.
Facing storm-related property damage and need assistance? Call CRC at 855-584-7887.
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