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.