Parking Garage Collapse: City Of Lakewood Files Charges

LAKEWOOD, OH — Less than a month after the collapse of the Marine Towers West parking garage, Lakewood officials have accused the property owners of failing to get a permit for work in the garage.

Complaints were filed in Lakewood Municipal Court against Marine Towers LLC, Atlas Masonry & Restoration, and Burton Carol Management Company for failing to secure a permit.

On the morning of Dec. 23, the parking garage at Marine Towers West, on Edgewater Drive, collapsed. The apartment complex was evacuated while an inspection was completed, though no injuries were reported. Residents were eventually able to return home.

Lakewood Fire Chief Tim Dunphy later described the incident as a "pancake collapse" and "fairly sizable." More than 20 cars were inside the garage when it collapsed.

Burton Carol Management released a statement to News 5 saying they "welcome the city of Lakewood's thorough investigation into this matter."