Carol Stream complex replacing balconies after collapse

All 144 balconies will be replaced at an aging Carol Stream condominium complex, where an overhang canopy collapsed last summer.

The brick decorative overhang fell from a Carolshire Commons Condominiums building at 127 and 129 W. Elk Trail in August. Inspectors judged the 17 remaining canopies to be unsound, and those structures were removed.

But engineers also determined some balconies had structural issues, according to Bob Glees, the village's community development director.

So officials have recommended replacing all balconies at the 18-building complex — a process that began in May and that could last at least through October.

The village issued construction permits for three balconies to be replaced, and Carolshire officials will submit applications for six more this week, said Jay Singh, the building manager.

Crews are taking a comprehensive look at the whole complex, which could include rehabbing the tops of each building where the canopies used to be and gutting the inside. Officials hope the improvements will make the 50-year-old buildings safer and sustainable.

“We want to make sure something like that doesn't happen again,” Singh said.

The balcony replacements will be paid through condominium association dues. Technically, the association is replacing the balconies voluntarily since its charter indicates each condo owner would be responsible, Singh said, “but we took it over because it's a safety issue.”

Glees said all 216 units at the condo complex are inhabitable, but signs have been posted on doorways indicating balconies are not suitable for occupancy.

He said the process to replace balconies has been slow so far, since it involves gaining access to each unit to do necessary structural work with support joists.