Lone homeowner holds out amidst towering high-rises, struggles with city over code violations and fines

Orlando Capote refused to sell his home to developers and now lives in shadows surrounded by high-rises and debris. He has struggled with the city over many fines.

Capote's Mediterranean-style home has stood for over 35 years but is now the last one left amidst a million-square-foot complex of hotels, garages, and offices.

The city has cited Capote for numerous violations and at one point fined him nearly $30,000, though the mayor now says these fines have been halted.

Capote has rejected multiple offers over the years to sell or swap his home. During construction, his elderly mother fell and couldn’t be rescued from the home due to blocked access.

The mayor acknowledges Capote's difficult situation living across from a 14-story hotel and says developer and homeowner must find a way to coexist.