The sold-out South tower of Oceana Condos in Satellite Beach has received a Certificate of Occupancy after a delay to comply with a state law to ensure emergency radio reception throughout the 10-story, 108-unit structure.
Built on the former four-acre site of the 2004 hurricane-ravaged Ramada Inn resort, all the units are sold in the South tower. Closings – some for future residents who put in their deposits years ago – are happening daily along with new residents moving in, and the North tower is 80 percent sold, said developer Maurice Kodsi, of Cocoa Beach, founder of Tricon Development.
Originally expected to have both towers completed this spring, part of the delay was caused by having to test every space in the structure to see if emergency radios had enough reception. In areas where there was a weak signal, a signal enhancer had to be installed and wired in, said community development director John Stone.
“Radios have to work in every location in every unit,’’ he said.
The South tower is now in compliance with the radio signal regulation, along with the clubhouse and other spaces recently granted a Certificate of Occupancy so the condo can operate normally for the residents of the 54 units opened so far.
The North tower, which mirrors the South tower, is still under construction with the process to ensure radio reception expected to go faster, Stone said.
“It takes a little longer but I want to make sure to do it the right way the first time so you don’t have to come back and displace people to fix it,’’ Kodsi said.
All units in Oceana have three bedrooms, with three floor plans ranging from 1,911 square feet to 2,339 square feet, and corner units with 2,472 square feet with wrap-around balconies, each measuring between 159 and 347 square feet. The 3,006-square-foot recreation building/clubhouse near the pool and pool deck has an activity room and a catering kitchen. The total gross square footage of the condominium buildings is 356,996 square feet.
“The development is going to add to the sense of community in the area, and of course increase the tax base for the city. Sometimes it takes more time (to complete a project of this size). You’re not going build one of these in six months,’’ Kodsi said.