As every Floridian knows, June through November – otherwise known as Atlantic Hurricane Season – can be a time of anxiety, no matter how prepared we are. But Prima Luce buyers can feel safe and secure knowing that – because of its location – this new Florida waterfront condo community will be built in accordance with the most up-to-date government requirements, some of which are the strictest building codes and safety standards in the world.

In 2002, a decade after the damage caused by Category 5 Hurricane Andrew, the State of Florida incorporated High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) into the Florida building code, along with far stronger and more stringent building standards. Since then, as part of those standards, the Florida HVHZ building code requires a new building’s entire envelope, including doors and windows, to undergo rigorous lab-testing to ensure wind-resistant design long before construction even begins.

The Prima Luce project has already undergone extensive wind tunnel testing based on wind speeds of 160 mph (as derived by FEMA and determined by the area in which it will be constructed). All of the Prima Luce structures have been designed to support those test conditions, including the windows and doors, which are required to be resistant to small missile impacts from flying debris carried by high-speed winds. 

In 2005, Prima Luce developer Robert MacFarlane transformed the Caloosahatchee shoreline of Downtown Fort Myers with the completion of three new residential high-rises – Beau Rivage, St. Tropez and Riviera – all built in accordance with the new Florida code. Since then, all of MacFarlane’s developments have weathered the many storms and hurricanes that passed through Downtown Fort Myers, all without damage – or losing electricity.

But safety is so much more than storms. Keep reading to learn more about the strict design and building standards that Prima Luce on the Waterfront will meet or exceed.

ACCESSIBLITY

• All common areas designed to meet ADA standards
• All residential units designed to meet Fair Housing Act standards

INSPECTIONS

• Engineering firm will perform rigorous testing and inspections during construction (totaling more than $550,000)
• Insurance companies will conduct thorough inspections during construction to assure proper construction

SECURITY

• On-site security via state-of-the-art surveillance system
• Barrier fencing with electronic lockable passage gates

STORM SAFETY

• Project design has undergone extensive wind tunnel testing base on wind speeds of 160 mph.
• All entry doors and window systems are impact-resistant and designed to withstand high-speed wind
• Emergency generator will provide backup power for all life safety equipment, features and elevator use
• Lightning protection will be installed
• Flood proofing and protection will be installed
• New seawall completed in 2018

FIRE SAFETY

• Strict compliance with Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC) and Life Safety Code (NFPA 101)
• Built with concrete and masonry, non-combustible materials
• State-of-the-art fire suppression, fire alarm, and smoke detection systems
• Pressurized elevator shafts and stair shafts to prevent any fire smoke penetrations in these areas
• Fireman Control Room Command Station with state-of-the-art communication system
• All Finish materials have classifications as required by FFPC and NFPA 101

Want to know more about safe and secure living at Prima Luce on the Waterfront? Send us a message!