In light of recent concerns raised by a University of Miami study on the sinking of coastal buildings, experts emphasize that the city remains steadfast in adapting to structural challenges.
Daniel Ickowicz, CEO and Sales Director of Elite International Realty, a real estate consultancy with 30 years in the Florida market, highlights that Miami is at the forefront in terms of resilient infrastructure and robust regulations.
“Although the study raises valid concerns, it is important to focus on some facts. Land settlement and minor structural shifts are common in coastal regions, especially in areas with landfill, and cannot be attributed exclusively to climate change,” says Ickowicz. “Miami remains one of the most attractive cities for investments due to advances in infrastructure, strict building codes, and the constant appreciation of real estate.”
Daniel also emphasizes that climate change is a global challenge, but Miami is leading the way through modern solutions and strategic adaptations. “The city is transforming and thriving with the use of technologies such as the satellite monitoring used in the study and periodic inspections, providing transparency and confidence to investors and residents,” he adds.
Miami was originally built on swampy areas. For this reason, its planning was meticulously structured in the past to deal with flooding and many of the natural adversities typical of the region. Additionally, the city has a long history of facing natural phenomena such as hurricanes. Even subjected to these strong tropical storms, Miami has maintained its growth and continues to attract investments.
In this context, the city has become a true hub for experimenting with innovative technologies to mitigate the effects of flooding, rising sea levels, and storms. Recent developments include buildings designed to withstand the intense impacts of winds and storms.
To address rising sea levels, the Miami-Dade County Office of Resilience has implemented significant initiatives, such as constructing new landfills, elevating structures on stilts to allow water to pass through, opening channels in areas more prone to flooding, and creating a network of small drainage spaces in yards, streets, and public areas, among other measures.