Relief grants available after unpermitted construction left Glen Burnie building unsafe

Anne Arundel County officials have declared Empire Towers in Glen Burnie structurally unsafe following unpermitted construction work that compromised the 10-story office building. The damage, which occurred during unauthorized repairs to the parking garage on July 9, has forced an evacuation and the establishment of a 150-foot safety perimeter. This incident highlights the critical risks associated with unpermitted structural modifications and the resulting economic disruption for surrounding businesses.

Anne Arundel County officials reported that Empire Towers, a 10-story office building in Glen Burnie, remains structurally unsafe following unpermitted construction work that took place on July 9. The damage occurred during unauthorized work on the building's parking garage, leading the county to establish a 150-foot safety perimeter that remains in effect. This restriction has forced the evacuation of the building and left numerous vehicles stranded inside the parking facility, while nearby businesses have been forced to close their doors indefinitely.

The building's owner has reportedly hired a licensed structural engineering firm to assess the damage and create a plan to stabilize the tower. According to the county executive's office, the owner intends to begin stabilization work this week, a process that is expected to take approximately 10 days to complete. County officials are monitoring the situation closely and have stated that the safety perimeter will not be adjusted until the structural integrity of the building is secured by the engineering team's interventions.

To address the economic fallout of the closure, the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation has introduced the Empire Towers Disaster Recovery Grant program. This initiative provides grants starting at $2,500 to eligible businesses within the safety zone that have been forced to cease operations. Furthermore, the county is coordinating with property owners outside the immediate danger zone to implement detour routes, aiming to restore access for employees and customers to businesses impacted by the surrounding road closures.