By Robert Haugh

About 130 residents remain displaced after Santa Clara officials evacuated the 56-unit Villa Bella condominium complex at 1850 El Camino Real Saturday evening. 

There were reports of displaced concrete and visible metal protruding near the parking garage on the building’s north side.

The Santa Clara Fire Department received the initial report just before 7 p.m. and ordered an immediate evacuation of roughly 60 people who were inside the building. 

As a precaution, residents of about 10 homes on Clay Street behind the complex were also told to leave temporarily while firefighters established a collapse zone and assessed potential risk.

Santa Clara opened the Community Recreation Center at 969 Kiely Blvd. as an emergency shelter for displaced residents. City officials said most residents made their own arrangements. Only two people stayed at the shelter Saturday night, and none stayed Sunday night.

On Sunday morning, a team of structural engineers representing the developer, the homeowners association, and the City examined the building. Officials said the engineers determined the structure was not in imminent danger of collapse. The fire department lifted the collapse zone perimeter, and Clay Street residents were told it was safe to return to their homes.

However, engineers determined that the north side of the building must be shored up before condominium residents can reoccupy their units. City officials said the developer will be responsible for the construction work and repairs. Engineers are also evaluating whether parts of the building not affected by the shoring needs can be safely reoccupied sooner.

As of Monday, there was still no timeline for residents to return.

The City said it is working with the American Red Cross to help displaced residents and is exploring alternate shelter options, including a facility with showers. 

Residents have also been advised to contact their insurance providers for additional assistance while repairs and further engineering assessments continue.