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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: John P. Curley AIA CBCO - Director Building and Permits
DATE: 9 June 2016
SUBJECT:
Weatherization and Emergency Removal of Dome at 2 N River Street (Hobbs building).
PURPOSE:
Based upon two structural engineer's written opinions, the Hobbs dome has deteriorated to the point where it is in danger of falling into our busy intersection and needs to be removed. As a precaution, since February 20th 2016, this sidewalk and two lanes of traffic in front of the building, have been barricaded at this location across the street from Waubonsee Community College and in close proximity to parking lots used for the Paramount.
This request is to permit the city to contract with a general contractor to remove the dome, and reframe and waterproof a temporary flat roof in the area of the dome's removal. Additionally, the building will be weatherproofed to prevent further deterioration.
BACKGROUND:
Cited by Property Standards for the dome "leaning" violation on 21 August 2013, Mike Sharpe of Hobbs Property, LLC attempted to temporarily shore and cable restrain the dome with a structural engineer designed solution under a permit applied for on 20 February 2015. This work was completed on 17 March 2015. Several instances since, we have been assured by Mr. Sharpe and his contractor Landmark Design Group, LLC, that Landmark had placed monitoring gauges and that the dome had not moved.
The Engineer engaged by Mr. Sharpe; J.V. Henik, has since confirmed to the City that the temporary stabilization measures were not intended to be in place this long, and further has concluded that the existing conditions are dangerous. Stating that "It is our professional opinion that no further upgrades be made to the dome, but that the dome be removed from the building thereby creating a safer condition", see "Exhibit A".
The City additionally had secured a visual opinion from a local Structural Engineer: Lindsay & Associa...
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