When Miami ordered Babylon International Inc. to repair a run-down building or face its demolition, the property owner took it up on the offer.

So much so that Babylon asked the courts to force the city to comply with its order and issue a demolition permit, as required under the municipal building code. Instead of scrambling to do renovations, the company decided the expense would outweigh the return, so it did nothing and waited for the city's next move.

“After investigating the feasibility of repairing the building, and based on information obtained from its consultants, Babylon determined that the property could not feasibly be repaired,” it argued in a motion for writ of mandamus against Miami. “Instead, Babylon opted to demolish the extremely hazardous conditions on this property.”