For more than 4,400 squatters in Caracas, Venezuela, the time has come to move on. An unfinished skyscraper that has stood in the city for over a decade has become home to not only people, but shops, basketball courts and prayer meetings.
Authorities have decided to move the squatters out, allegedly to investigate the structural soundness of the tower, which is the country's third-tallest skyscraper, the Miami Herald reports.
The tower, called Torre David, is 45 stories of incomplete concrete, glass and steel. Construction began on the building in 1990, but screeched to a halt when financial crisis struck Venezuela in 1994. The building was about 60 percent complete at the time, and construction never resumed.
Over time, it became a vertical city for squatters. The community really kicked off in 2007, when an evangelical minister led the occupation of the building.
There are rumors that the tower is being cleared because Chinese developers bought the site, but the government says they are unfounded.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Oct 5, 2016
Plans for Hudson Yards skyscraper from Bjarke Ingels have officially been filed
The 65-story tower will be primarily office space and has an estimated development cost of $3.2 billion
Sustainability | Oct 4, 2016
One World Trade Center officially awarded LEED Gold certification
The skyscraper received the certification despite a setback caused by Hurricane Sandy.
High-rise Construction | Sep 23, 2016
A massive redevelopment in Tokyo reunites developer and architect
Mitsui Fudosan and SOM join forces to create OH-1, a mixed-use complex with a prominent public square.
High-rise Construction | Sep 12, 2016
Bangkok’s tallest tower is also one of its most unique
At 1,030 feet tall, MahaNakhon Tower’s height is only outdone by its arresting design.
Mixed-Use | Sep 9, 2016
Rolled book scroll-inspired mixed-use project from Aedas planned for Chongqing, China
With a bookstore at the heart of the development, the project looks to exemplify an ancient Chinese proverb that says “knowledge brings wealth.”
Office Buildings | Sep 8, 2016
Taipei’s Lè Architecture, designed by Aedas, is almost complete
The 18-story building is designed to resemble a moss-covered river pebble in Taipei’s Nangang District.
High-rise Construction | Sep 8, 2016
Construction on the tallest residential tower in western Europe could start early next year
China’s Greenland Group is the developer of four of the world’s 10 largest skyscrapers
High-rise Construction | Sep 8, 2016
Lendlease to build Aykon London One Tower
Damac, the Dubai-based developer of the project, selected the Australian property construction and development company to build the tower.
High-rise Construction | Sep 7, 2016
Shenzhen Kingkey Group submits re-planning package for what could become China’s tallest tower
The high-rise, H700 Shenzhen Tower, is one of a group of towers being built in Shenzhen’s Caiwuwei financial and commercial area.
High-rise Construction | Sep 6, 2016
Peddle Thorp Architects' solar-powered Melbourne high-rise looks to go off the grid
The skyscraper would be the first in Australia to incorporate solar cells in its façade.