More than three weeks after Hurricane Beryl struck Southeast Texas, safety concerns persist in Houston’s Sunnyside neighborhood. A two-story house under construction near the intersection of Hondo and Corinth streets has been left leaning precariously, alarming nearby residents who fear it may collapse.
Philip Joseph, who lives diagonally across from the construction site, recalled hearing crackling sounds from the site during the hurricane. He expected the structure to fall, but it remained standing. However, Joseph continues to worry that another strong windstorm could cause the unstable frame to collapse, posing a danger to anyone nearby. “I’m just afraid that if another hard, unexpected windstorm comes through, that house will come down. I wouldn’t want a kid or adult to be around when it falls. By the grace of God, it’s still standing,” he said. “It’s an eyesore and it’s dangerous.”
In a related incident, a 16-year-old worker was tragically killed when the frame of a new-construction home collapsed in Magnolia during a storm. Investigators are examining whether the collapse was storm-related.
The City of Houston Public Works Department has placed a hold on the construction permit for the site in Sunnyside, following structural inspections on July 16 and July 19. The property has been “red-tagged,” giving the builders 30 days to demonstrate efforts to bring the structure back into compliance.
contacted the owner of Queensdrive Incorporated, the builder listed for the property. He stated that they plan to repair the damage within two to three weeks. When questioned about the potential risk of another windstorm before repairs are completed, the builder expressed confidence that the structure would remain standing.
For more updates on this story, follow reporter Rosie Nguyen on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
