Alcove Modifications
Altering the Living Room 'Closet'

The original design of the Tall Ships included a rather useless 'closet' in the living room, fronted by mirrored sliding doors. The mirrored doors gave the living room a larger look, but the closet behind them was of little value. Many homeowners chose to remove the mirrored doors and converted the closet into a bookcase or breakfront. Such a  modification did  not require the approval of the Association, for it did not entail a  change affecting the building itself

Four homeowners, however went further. They sealed off the closet by replacing the mirrored doors with a solid wall, then broke out the rear wall of the closet to enlarge the bedroom and create an alcove for a bureau, desk or television. The wall section that they broke out, however was load-bearing and in removing it they threatened the integrity of the building structure itself.  The homeowners acted in good faith, not knowing the impact their modifications might have, but they acted without notice to, or the concurrence of, the Association.

Our Master Deed specifies that  modifications that may affect a building's structure must be approved in advance by the Association.  Repairs to restore the integrity of the building structure have since been made, at the expense of the units' present owners, even though in three out of the four cases the modifications were made by prior owners.

For a detailed explanation of the dangers these modifications create click here