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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Jim Pilmer, Director of Neighborhood Standards
DATE: October 7, 2014
SUBJECT:
Acceptance of bid recommendation for asbestos abatement at the former West High Building located at 14 S. Blackhawk Street, Aurora, IL Ward 4/Saville
PURPOSE:
Pursuant to Illinois Environmental Protection Act, 415 ILCS, et seq. the City of Aurora is required to conduct a comprehensive National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) survey of suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACM) for compliance with the Illinois EPA. The asbestos inspection was performed from May 23 - 30, 2014. This comprehensive NESHAP inspection was intended to address the existence of ACM on the interior and exterior prior to future demolition of the building.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora owns the former West Aurora High School property located at 14 S. Blackhawk Street. The structure is approximately 30,000 square feet in size and was previously utilized as a school building. The original building was constructed in 1905, with additions built in 1938 and 1950, respectively. The 1905 wing consists of three stories and a basement which houses the boiler room. The 1938 wing consists of two stories, and houses the gymnasium and lower lever locker rooms. The 1950 wing is one story and consists of the music rooms. The flooring varies throughout the wings, consisting of concrete, wood, floor tile, linoleum, terrazzo, and carpet. The interior walls and ceilings vary throughout the wings, consisting of plaster, drywall, concrete, cinderblock, and acoustical ceiling tile. The exterior walls are brick. The original building and additions have undergone a number of renovations that used Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM).
The building's integrity has been compromised by both the removal of metal piping and other appurtenances for resale. Additionally, several large holes in the roof have allowed water, snow and ice to impact the interior...
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