Work at the old Bennett College causes cracks in neighboring buildings in Flamengo, says Civil Defense

Deep cracks appeared at different points in buildings neighboring construction work on a condominium on the land of the former Colégio Bennett, in Flamengo, in the South Zone of Rio. The problems were identified at Uninassau College and in surrounding residential properties.

After an inspection, Civil Defense confirmed that the damage was related to the work, but did not identify an imminent risk to the structure.

At the college, students reported cracks in the library, bathrooms and hallways. They report concern about the condition of the building and also complain about the noise caused by the construction, including during night classes.

The students' suspicion is that the cracks were caused by the movement of the work, which occupies the land where the old school was located.

The Uninassau rectory reported that specialized engineers carried out an inspection of the property and did not identify signs of structural compromise that would justify the suspension of classes.

Civil Defense carried out an inspection of the college building and confirmed that the damage identified was related to the neighboring building. Despite the cracks and cracks, technicians found no imminent risk to the structure.

According to information from the inspection, the construction company responsible has already started monitoring the damage. The Municipal Department of Urban Development and Licensing was also called to supervise the work.

The problems also affected residential properties close to the construction site.

One resident, engineer Gabriella Zullo, reported that the first cracks and the detachment of parts of the structure of her apartment began in October, in the service area. This week, a sizable rock fell from part of the building.

Another case worries property manager Marcelo Silva. A two-story house that used to be adjacent to the building next to the project now has a gap between the structures. The opening is already approximately the width of a finger.

The condominium requested a Civil Defense inspection, scheduled for the 16th.

Construction on the land of the former Colégio Bennett had already provoked mobilization of Flamengo residents. They organized against the removal of around 70 centuries-old trees in the area, where the former residence of the Baron of São Clemente was located.

In January 2026, the Court ordered the immediate suspension of works on the real estate project. The decision came after residents filed a lawsuit questioning the felling of trees on land listed by the municipality.

Now, with the appearance of cracks in the college and the damage reported by residents of neighboring properties, the work has once again caused concern in the region.