Empire Towers Completes Phase One Shoring as Horizontal Bracing Begins

Officials say the stabilization work is needed to secure sagging concrete so tenants can later retrieve cars and personal items safely.

Overview

Building owners reported Phase 1 was finished with about 1,500 vertical shoring posts installed inside the garage to support weakened concrete slabs.
Contractors and structural engineers have started Phase 2, which focuses on installing horizontal braces and is projected to take roughly six weeks but could change based on field conditions.
The office towers and underground garage remain closed until stabilization is complete and Anne Arundel County and engineers approve controlled reentry procedures.
About 100 vehicles remain inside the garage and management says it is developing a recovery plan with contractors and will update tenants and stakeholders within two weeks; management is also offering a $3,000 transit payment to affected tenants.
Tenants report anxiety over displacement and the delay could cause longer transportation and housing strains, so officials warn schedules may shift and further engineering assessments and county sign-offs will determine next steps.