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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jim Birchall, Superintendent, Fleet & Facilities Maintenance
DATE: April 15, 2019
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing Exterior Repairs to the Elmslie Building at 1 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL.
PURPOSE:
To obtain authorization for exterior repairs to the Elmslie Building located at 1 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL
BACKGROUND:
Built in 1923 and designed by George G. Elmslie, the building located at 1 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505, was originally owned by the American National Bank and later housed a Walgreen's drug store in the early 1930's. The building was rehabilitated in 2003 as commercial office space and is currently owned by the City of Aurora.
On February 20, 2019, a substantial section of exterior face brick detached from the upper portion of the north wall and fell on to Galena as well as on the sidewalk. City staff, Aurora Police, Emergency Management and the Street Department responded quickly to the scene. The City's property insurer Chubb was contacted and a property damage claim was initiated and emergency repairs authorized. The City also contacted Belfour, its emergency services contractor who dispatched personnel and equipment. The City was able to contract F.H. Paschen who responded with crews including a masonry contractor. The remaining masonry was quickly stabilized to prevent additional shedding of debris, the Belfour crew and City Street Department personnel cleared the debris and the area was cordoned off until the next day. Protective scaffolding was installed, the damaged side of the building was tarped and secured and the street was reopened.
DISCUSSION:
On February 25, 2019 a representative from F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielson & Associates, LLC and a senior associate from the engineering and architectural firm, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., visited the site to inspect the building to provide an engineering report depicting the extent of the damage and overall condition of the building exterior. Chubb authorized the follow up inspection and structural engineering assessment. The structural assessment covered the entire building and the recommendation was also to tuck point and repair the rest of the building which was not part of the Chubb claim given the risk, age and safety considerations.
In order to restore the entire exterior of the building to an acceptable condition including that portion of the building covered by the Chubb insurance claim and related emergency expenses, it is proposed that April Building Services Inc., located at 22W274 Irving Park Rd., Roselle, IL 60172, perform the recommended masonry repairs and restoration through F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates, LLC for a quoted total cost of $469,136.63.
$269,136.63 of the incurred emergency response costs and assessment as well as the subsequently quoted repair cost will be paid by Chubb Insurance Company, through claim number: 076919006516, which includes a $50,000.00 deductible.
The remaining $200,000.00 to complete the recommended and necessary non-insurance claim repairs for the remainder of the building façade will be drawn from account: 601-0000-410.40-78 under project code: DNTN13.
The repair estimate and engineering report are attached.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
During building repairs, access to surrounding sidewalks drive lanes on Galena Boulevard and Broadway may be disrupted and at times partially restricted. Performing the recommended repairs will ensure general public safety, the continued enjoyment of the architectural features, and safe use of this building for many years.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council adopt the proposed resolution authorizing payment of $469,136.63 for the exterior masonry repairs to the Elmslie Building located at 1 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL by April Building Services, Inc. through F.H. Paschen, and S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC as a result of the February 20, 2019 property damage incident with the understanding that the City's property carrier Chubb will reimburse the City a total of $269,136.63 for emergency services rendered on February 20, 2019 and related subsequent building repairs.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Bugg
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing Exterior Repairs To The Elmslie Building Located At 1 S. Broadway, Aurora, Illinois.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora currently owns the Elmslie Building located at 1 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL and said building experienced a brick façade failure that required emergency response and repair on February 20, 2019; and
WHEREAS upon further inspection by a structural engineer and masonry contractor that the exterior wall masonry has deteriorated in the rest of the building façade which requires restoration; and
WHEREAS, exterior masonry repairs and restoration will be performed by April Building Services, Inc. located at 22W274 Irving Park Rd., Roselle, IL 60172 through F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC for a quoted cost of $469,136.63; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora's insurer, Chubb Insurance Company, located at 525 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60661 will pay $269,136.63 inclusive of the City's $50,000 deductible of the quoted repair costs on claim number: 076919006516; and
WHEREAS, the remaining $200,000.00 for the masonry repairs and restoration is available in account: 601-0000-410.40-78 under project code: DNTN13; and, is hereby submitted to the City Council for approval;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the City Council adopt the proposed resolution authorizing payment of $469,136.63 for the exterior masonry repairs to the Elmslie Building located at 1 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL by April Building Services, Inc. through F.H. Paschen, and S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC as a result of the February 20, 2019 property damage incident with the understanding that the City's property carrier Chubb will reimburse the City a total of $269,136.63 for emergency services rendered on February 20, 2019 and subsequent building repairs.