Mandarin Oriental Condo Delays Leave Buyers Feeling `In Limbo’
Frank Scala and his wife, Nancy Scala, say they paid nearly $1.3 million to buy a new condo in 2021 at the planned Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences in Boca Raton.
A Delicate Balance
Robert Sweetapple, an attorney representing Via Mizner Owner III LLC, which is associated with the entire resident, retail, hotel, and restaurant project, said the contracts illustrate that the estimated date of the project’s completion would be subject to change.
Some Buyers’ Complaints
The Scalas said they chose to live at a Mandarin Oriental residence after deciding to downsize from their Boca Raton home along the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences Under Construction
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences in Boca Raton, which is being built in the 100 block of East Camino Real, will comprise 85 private residences and a 164-room, five-star hotel. It has been envisioned as a $1.5 billion ultra-luxury resort.
Offering Ultra-Luxury Living
Upon completion, residents will have exclusive amenities such as a private wine cellar, resident-only club room, membership privileges at Via Mizner Golf & City Club, and more, according to a news release providing project updates on September 19.
Some Buyers’ Desires for a Refund
The Scalas have filed a lawsuit against Via Mizner Owner III LLC, seeking the return of their deposit. They’re not alone in their request. Other buyers, including Robert and Brenda Needleman and Blaire Properties LLC, have also sued the developer, seeking the return of their deposits.
Defending the Work Underway
The attorney representing Via Mizner Owner III LLC, Robert Sweetapple, disagrees with the notion that the developer is bound by any particular closing dates. He believes that the contracts afford some wiggle room.
Conclusion
Three years after signing a contract to buy a condo at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences in Boca Raton, Frank Scala and his wife, Nancy, are still waiting for their new home to be completed. They’re not alone. Many other buyers have also experienced delays, leading some to sue the developer, Via Mizner Owner III LLC, for the return of their deposits.
FAQs
Q: Why are the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences in Boca Raton so late in completing?
A: The construction process has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and difficulty obtaining the right materials.
Q: What is the estimated completion date of the project?
A: The estimated completion date is 2025, but it is subject to change.
Q: What do buyers do if they want to get their deposit back?
A: If a buyer requests a refund, the developer is not obligated to return the deposit. The contract has clauses that allow for delays in completion.
Q: How many cases have been filed against Via Mizner Owner III LLC?
A: Three cases have been filed: one by the Scalas, one by the Needlemans, and one by Blaire Properties LLC.
