Project Challenge:
The owner of this stately structure, which has graced downtown
Wilmington, Delaware since the early 1900's, requested a comprehensive
assessment of the hotel's ornate 11th Street facade composed
of brick, terra cotta, limestone and granite. The objective
of the invasive investigation was to remove loose material and
identify areas requiring immediate stabilization as well as
those areas requiring long-term repair.
Project Solution:
Klein and Hoffman (K&H), working jointly with a masonry
restoration contractor, performed an in-depth condition survey
from the close-up vantage point of swing-stages. Every bay of
the 13-story building along 11th Street was inspected and evaluated.
As a result of the investigation, it was determined that
the primary cause of deterioration was due to water infiltration
through openings in the masonry elements and persistent freeze-thaw
cycles during the winter months.
A condition assessment report was prepared which presented
a detailed description of the observed deficiencies, identified
recommended repair procedures and outlined the recommended
scope of repair work. The masonry restoration contractor prepared
a preliminary cost estimate for the recommended repairs.
Design documents for bidding are currently being prepared.
K&H will perform construction administration services
throughout the course of the restoration work anticipated
to occur in 2007.
OWNER/CLIENT: E.I. DuPont de Nemours and
Company
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