Structural issues have caused the evacuation of residents from an upscale Cambridge condominium development.

Residents of the 66 units in the high-end Riverview Apartments, located at 221 Mount Auburn St., were told they need to evacuate due to newly discovered structural issues in the nearly 65-year-old building. 

According to Zillow, the most recent units sold in the building went for $1.6 million and $1.7 million. In 2023, one unit sold for $3,375,000. 

Residents were told to start moving out as soon as this week and that it could be a year before they return.

Jeremy Warnick, the city’s spokesperson, told several media outlets that the issue was discovered last year during a roof construction project. Two sets of construction consultants were brought in to verify the problems, after which Cambridge Inspectional Services became involved.

The issues stem from the use of subpar concrete and the improper placement of reinforcing steel rebar – issues that go back to when the building was originally constructed. 

Candice Morse, president of the property’s management firm Thayer & Associates told the Boston Globe the decision to evacuate was to maximize the safety of the residents, while facilitating an efficient repair process to return the building to service as soon as possible. 

The first phase of repairs is expected to begin before year’s end.