Structural Report Preface
by Pat Crow - DHA Chair
The Danville Heritage Association hired licensed structural engineer Mr. Barry Newman, P. E., to assess the structural integrity of the Danville Intermediate School Building in 2022. His full report is posted below (dated 12/10/2022). The overall verbal and written report came back positive with no underlying structural integrity issues observed or discovered.
This report from Mr. Newman speaks for itself. Additionally I will make three specific comments in regard to issues that I’ve heard described in meetings and around the community.
Structure: We have heard comments about doors sticking and door jambs settling, etc. indicating that the building is settling and is structurally unsound. In my experience, these conditions are quite normal in many 80+ year old buildings, and do not necessarily indicate any significant structural concerns. They sometimes are a result of moisture expanding or warping in jambs or just age & time. For instance - in the event of a questionable door lintel is discovered, you simply fix it. Bottom line, neither Mr. Newman nor I have observed any serious [expensive] structural issues in the Danville intermediate school building. Seam cracks and the like in 80 year old masonry is very common and easily remedied with a cleaning/repointing project carried out by professional contractors, and is not terribly expensive. I believe that was done to the Danville High School under Mr. Jurkowitz’s leadership as superintendent. Bottom line: There is nothing structurally that will impede occupancy.
Windows: There’s no question that the window system installed to replace the original steel windows in the building is approaching the end of life. Having worked on over 40 projects that involved historic windows, I know that there are some intermediate methods that could be applied to extend the life of failing windows, if funds are not available the beginning stages of this project.
Heating System: I was told there are various control problems with the heating system. If we are able to move forward with this project, one of our first priorities would be to singularize the tenant spaces with their own individual HVAC units, and that may ultimately result in the elimination of the boiler system in its current configuration. Having said that, it would be our intention to continue to use a boiler system until funds are available and work completed in this regard. But as I indicated before, if you have issues, you simply fix it, on an interim basis or a permanent basis, in order to accommodate the needs of the structure.
Preface by Pat Crow - DHA Chair
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The professional engineer’s concluding remarks from his report (see FULL Report below), are as follows:
“Most of the issues with the building involve repairs to the brick masonry and resolving water
infiltration around the windows. The masonry problems are not serious structural problems at
this time but should be repaired to prevent more serious water damage in the future. These
types of repairs are typically required at least once in the life of older masonry buildings and are
required maintenance to keep it in sound condition.
It appears to me that the window water issues do not mean that they all have to be replaced.
Some may have to be or may require major repairs, but most probably just need some sealing up
of openings where water is getting in. Investigation around the window will be required to
determine exactly what needs to be done.
Please contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Barry Neumann, P.E. #53336”
