Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien DSF Project No. 06K4L May 26, 2009 FOR THE STATE OF WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION DIVISION OF STATE FACILITIES STATE OF WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - 7TH FLOOR 101 EAST WILSON STREET - P.O. BOX 7866 MADISON, WISCONSIN 53707 By Architect River Architects, Inc. 740 7th Street North La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601 (608) 785-2217 Structural Consultant Arnold & O'Sheridan, Inc. 1111 Deming Way Suite 200 Madison, WI 53717 (608) 821-8500 Mechanical and Electrical Consultant Galileo Consulting Group, LLC 2920 East Avenue South La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 787-9106
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
May 26, 2009
FOR THE STATE OF WISCONSIN
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION DIVISION OF STATE FACILITIES
STATE OF WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - 7TH FLOOR 101 EAST WILSON STREET - P.O. BOX 7866
MADISON, WISCONSIN 53707
By
Architect River Architects, Inc. 740 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601 (608) 785-2217
Structural Consultant Arnold & O'Sheridan, Inc.
1111 Deming Way Suite 200
Madison, WI 53717 (608) 821-8500
Mechanical and Electrical Consultant
Galileo Consulting Group, LLC 2920 East Avenue South
La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 787-9106
Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
SUMMARY OF REPORT CONTENTS Part A - Introduction Pages 2-3
Describes the purpose of this report, identifies the report project team, and
describes the methodology used to obtain the information included.
Part B - Architectural Pages 4-24
An evaluation of the building's condition and recommended actions.
Part C - Structural Pages 25-35
An evaluation of the building’s structural issues and recommended actions.
Part D - Mechanical & Electrical Systems Pages 36-50
An evaluation of the building’s mechanical and electrical systems and
recommended actions.
Part E - Code Analysis Pages 51-59
An analysis of the code implications of the recommended actions.
Part F - Summary of Recommendations Pages 60-62
Part G - Opinion of Probable Cost Pages 63-65
The Opinion of Probable Cost for the work described in the Summary of
would be constructed at the base of the column to keep the end grain out
of the moisture as best as possible.
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d) There are three, 4 foot wide basement windows-two on the west wall and
one on the east wall. The masonry over the windows is supported on a
wood lintel.
The lintel supporting the masonry and the lintel supporting the floor joist
are both rotted and in need of replacement on both west wall windows
and at the east wall window. The lintel over the sliding door appears to
be acceptable. See photos five and six.
The replacement of these lintels would again be proposed to be done
with treated parallel strand lumber for dimensional stability. It is always
difficult with today’s lumber to find suitable replacements to support
masonry. The parallel strand lumber is judged the best candidate. The
masonry and floor joists will have to be shored for this operation. The
stone masonry will have to be rebuilt over the openings reusing the
original stones. Access to the west window openings is complicated by
the walkway. See photo seven.
e) Floor of the basement. This level is presently constructed of pea gravel
on soil. The difficulty is how to limit moisture from coming up into the
space and yet allow flood waters out when they occur.
It is the writer’s opinion that the present system for the money is a good
compromise. We do not propose a drain tile and sump system for the
building in the belief they would be damaged in a flood situation. We do
not propose adding a plastic sheet due to the difficulty in preserving
drainage in a flood. It is the writer’s opinion that the pea gravel offers a
bit of a capillary break from the moist soil below. Moisture meter
readings taken the day of this visit show values in the framing lumber to
be in the range of 11-13%. These readings were taken on a fall day in
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
relatively dry weather. These numbers while high are below the
threshold for rot and indicate at least at the time that there was not an
unreasonable amount of moisture present.
f) Ventilation of the basement. Presently the area is ventilated with a louver
in the original window hole on the south end of the west wall. There is
also ventilation caused by the poorly fitting overhead door at the east
side. Replacement of the overhead door with a tighter fitting unit will
cause a reduction in ventilation. It is proposed the east side window
opening be changed out to a louver. This would encourage west to east
air flow. The west louver needs to be replaced as it has deteriorated.
With the present air flow, it is deemed that the placement of powered
ventilation would not be recommended. The air flow at present seems
reasonable and there would be concern that a powered fan would be
damaged in a flood.
g) Basement walls. These are constructed of stone with presumably
sand/lime mortar, and presumably a stone footing underneath.
Mortar is deteriorating in the lower two or three feet on the inside surface
of the wall. This condition is caused by moisture wicking up through the
wall from below. As presently observed, there are no stones falling out of
the wall.
The proposed repair would be to re-point the wall in the inner surface
with a mortar to match the composition of the original. A piece of
existing mortar would need to be analyzed to confirm its composition. To
solve the rising damp problem would require metal flashings be placed
horizontally in the wall to cut off upward moisture flow. This is a labor
intensive process. It is the writer’s opinion that this process should not be
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
considered until stones begin falling from the wall. At that point the
lower sections of the wall will need to be rebuilt and the flashing can be
installed at that time.
2) Second Floor Framing
a) The floor framing appears to be in good condition. The wood joists and
beams are sand blasted and exposed. Joists measure 1 5/8” x 11 7/8” at
16” oc. Beams are 9x 10 ¾”. The structural capacity of this floor is
calculated at 60 psf live load. This seems a reasonable value for the
usage. The loss of support for the central column is causing significant
deflection in the beams at this level. This deflection in turn is causing the
tenon joint at the joists to open up. The structural concern is that this
joint could open far enough to allow the tenon to slip out. This is another
reason for the need to replace the first floor beams. It is believed that
with the replacement of the first floor beam that the first and second
floors could be jacked up to level. This is believed to be acceptable
because there are no interior partitions in the spaces. Any jacking process
does need to be undertaken with care and done slowly always observing
for distressed connections.
3) Chimney
a) The chimney at the east wall was built on about a 30 degree skew to
vertical as it extends to the roof. The masonry portion of the chimney
stops about 6 feet above first floor level and is supported on a wood
chimney closet. See photos eight and nine.
The tilted portion of the chimney is braced by wood structure to the
adjacent ceiling joists. The chimney is cracking at the point where it is
corbelled and the tilted construction begins. A brick has fallen out of the
corbel to the floor. The chimney is also cracking higher up in the tilted
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
portion. The wood lateral supports are showing signs of structural
distress.
It is the writer’s opinion that the tilted portion of the chimney could
collapse at any time and is probably the most important element in the
building to resolve. We understand it is not the owner’s desire to
straighten out the chimney and alter the location of the roof penetration.
To brace the chimney in place, we would propose two options for
consideration. One would be to bracket the upper part of the chimney off
the existing stone exterior wall with a piece of steel under the corbel and
epoxy anchors back to the existing stone wall. The chimney may have
originally been supported off this wall by bearing on since removed
ceiling joists. We do wish to note that to the writer’s recollection this
section of exterior wall bears down on a door opening below. The
lintel/header for this door would have to absorb this additional weight
from the chimney and still maintain its position. We take the chimney
weight to be supported at roughly 4000#. The existing stone wall would
have to carry the twisting accompanying the use of the bracket. We have
not verified this concept by calculation but it remains a possibility.
Another option may be the installation of a steel armature within the
unused chimney flue. This would involve removing and rebuilding a
portion of the chimney. The armature might be a bent piece of steel tube
grouted into the flue to provide internal stiffness to the chimney. Again
we have made no calculation to verify this concept but propose it for
consideration.
4) Cost Estimate
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
A. Reestablish the basement framing as noted in report including the
replacement of two beams/columns, jack floors to level.
$24,000
B. Repair one window louver, install one louver, repair lintel-three
windows; this done as part of a larger job.
$5,000
C. Stabilize the chimney with a bracket to the stone wall.
$6,000
D. Stabilize the chimney with a steel armature inside the flue.
$12,000
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
Figure 1 – First floor framing. Showing shoring of west beam.
Figure 2 – First floor framing. Showing deterioration of mortise in the beam at the juncture of the joist.
Figure 3 – First floor framing. This picture shows the juncture of the first floor beam and column below. The column above does not appear in the picture. The column below is pushing up into the beam allowing floor settlement.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
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Figure 4 – Second floor framing. This photo shows the settlement of the column from the floor beam above. This is allowing settlement of the second floor.
Figure 6 – First floor framing. This photo shows the construction of the header over the window.
Figure 5 – This photo shows shoring in place at the west wall of the first floor framing. The header over the window is rotted.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
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Figure 9 – The ceiling joists adjacent to the chimney. The splintered wood is caused by the sideways push of the chimney. The wood joists are giving way under the load.
Figure 8 – This photo shows the construction of the chimney along the east wall. The arrow points to a vertical crack in the masonry caused by the offset construction. At the base of the offset the bricks are falling off.
Figure 7 – This photo is the basement window at the east wall. The wood masonry header is rotted allowing the masonry to crack.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
Part D: Mechanical & Electrical Systems
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
There are no plumbing systems installed or extended to this building, including
water supply, sanitary sewer nor storm sewer. There are no toilet facilities or
service fixtures installed in the building.
Rain water falls off the roof directly onto grade. There are no building gutters or
downspouts. Although the grass is depressed where rainwater falls off the roof,
there are no indications of soil erosion or rainwater damage.
HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
SYSTEMS
The building was remodeled and fitted with new HVAC systems in 1972. These
systems are still installed and still operating (for general ventilation and heating
duty only). With a single exception, there appears to be no modifications to that
1972 installation, and all of the 1972 ductwork and equipment remain.
A single “vertical self-contained” air conditioning unit provides single zone
heating and ventilation for the building. The unit is a Carrier-brand piece of
equipment. The unit is installed on the second floor in a dedicated mechanical
room, although the room has no fire-rating. At the time of installation, one
window was removed and replaced with a louver. Ventilation air and air for
cooling the condensing coil is obtained through this louver. No equipment is
visible from the exterior of the building.
The “hot air” from the discharge side of the condensing coil was originally
ducted to a “gooseneck” hood on the roof. During the 1995 re-roofing, this hood
has been removed. Consequently, the air conditioning features of this vertical
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
self-contained air conditioning unit are not available as there is no path to reject
the heat from the condensing unit. Villa Louis is aware of this condition and has
chosen not to provide mechanical cooling in this building to date.
The unit is of (nominal) 7.5 ton capacity and appears to have two stages of
cooling. Heat is provided by a duct-mounted electric heating coil. A low
voltage, “residential” thermostat, WITHOUT night setback capabilities, controls
the system. (See Photo M1)
Photo M1
At the time of our observations, the unit was “turned off”. The electrical
disconnects for both the air conditioning unit and the electric heating coil were
manually turned off. An access panel on the air conditioning unit was removed
and laying on the floor – exposing the contactors and related controls. Nothing
appeared to be non-functional. (See Photo M2) We energized the unit and
confirmed that the evaporator fan operated correctly. Mechanical cooling is no
longer functional, and therefore not tested. The electric heat was not tested, but
reportedly does work.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
Photo M2
All of the supply ductwork is located on
the second floor. The ductwork is routed
through the attic trusses. Five slot
diffusers and one large register distribute
air evenly across the second floor. There
is a single return grille on the second floor
and a single return “duct” at the ceiling of
the 1st floor. It appears that the intent was
for supply air to “fall down” the two open
stairwells and old “elevator shaft” by
gravity and then return to the air
conditioning unit via the single return air duct. The duct on the 1st floor is just an
open duct with a manual volume damper. No grille is installed (and no grille was
specified in the 1972 Construction Documents).
A new room has been added on the 2nd floor adjacent to the Mechanical Room.
The wall built to construct this room is located in the center of one of the slot
diffusers. No mechanical revisions were made to accommodate this wall – the
wall is built against the center of slot diffuser, making removal of the diffuser
impossible. (See Photo M3)
Photo M3
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
This new wall also blocked the return air path on the 2nd floor, but a transfer
grille was cut into the new wall. No ductwork was installed. (See Photos M4
and M5)
Photo M4
Photo M5
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
In general, the 1972 HVAC system seems to have held up well and continues to
be functional, except for the mechanical cooling function. To date, Villa Louis
has elected to operate this building without mechanical cooling or humidity
control. Villa Louis would prefer to have mechanical cooling available and
would like to have some humidity control in this building.
The existing air conditioning unit is 35 years old and should be replaced – rather
than restored to original condition. Presently, the second floor is used sparsely
and the major displays are located on the first floor. Replacement with two
separate, smaller systems, with each serving a floor, would provide better
control, better operating efficiency, and some redundancy in case of equipment
failure.
Given the building size, and the fact that both floors are open to each other, it
would be possible to use a single furnace for both floors. However, a two
furnace solution is proposed for the following reasons:
1. If the lower level remains a “low usage” museum space and the upper
level becomes a frequent use meeting room, it would not be able to
satisfy both spaces with a common furnace.
2. Serving the entire building with a single furnace likely would result in a
greater than 5-ton cooling load. (The air conditioning unit that was
installed in the 1972 Kratt project was a 7.5 ton unit.) To comply with
State Code (although a variance may be possible), we would need to
provide an “economizer” cycle. This means (2) new openings in the
building – 6-7 square feet each. Two smaller units eliminate the
economizer issue and eliminate the need for new openings in the
building.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
There is natural gas on the Villa Louis site, so it would probably make sense to
convert the heating fuel source to gas in lieu of electricity. Each floor is only
900 square feet, so replacement with two (2) “residential” gas furnaces and
matching air conditioning units would seem an appropriate and cost-effective
choice.
HVAC SYSTEM - WINTER OPERATION OPTIONS
There are 3 options regarding use of the heating systems during winter months:
1. The current situation is that the heating system is run just enough to take
the chill off on the very rare occasions when the building is used in the
winter. This is essentially the same as no heating at all and is unlikely to
create any condensation related issues with the building fabric.
2. If the building is used more extensively for meetings in the winter
months, occasional heating (on one day- off the next) has the potential to
create condensation in the building structure. This condensation could
then repeatedly freeze and thaw, damaging the building. We do not
recommend this option.
3. The building could be heated continually to 65-70 degrees all winter.
Continual heating of uninsulated masonry mass wall buildings was the
historic status quo. The continual heat flow through the uninsulated
masonry wall would tend to dry out the masonry wall and reduce
freeze/thaw deterioration. We do not recommend providing
humidification, as it would likely create condensation and damage
the building. In addition to the added energy costs, continual heating
could also create issues in the insulated but unventilated attic.
We recommend Option #1, maintaining the status quo. The current situation
where the building is naturally ventilated during fall visiting hours allows the
summer humidity to be removed from the structure, thus limiting early winter
condensation. While Option #3 is a proven strategy for maintaining masonry
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
walls in historic buildings, we find it hard to justify the cost of heating an unused
building the entire winter for the potential benefits to the masonry wall.
HVAC SYSTEM - SUMMER OPERATION OPTIONS
In the summer months, the current situation where the building is naturally
ventilated with outside air circulation is probably the best case for the longevity
of the structure. However, Villa Louis staff have indicated that they would like
the building to be air conditioned during the hot and humid days of summer for
visitor comfort and to avoid damage to the exhibits.
In order to determine if summer air conditioning has the potential to create
condensation within the exterior masonry wall, the wall was modeled in the
computer program WUFI-ORNL. The nearest climate data was from Madison.
The interior moisture generation modeled was a 1 bedroom living unit, which
would have higher moisture generation than is the case in the Fur Trade Building,
which is usually unoccupied and has no plants, indoor plumbing, etc.
During the cooling season, the north elevation had the highest dewpoint
temperatures inside the wall, probably because it didn’t have the sun striking it to
heat up the wall. The model looked at the north wall temperature at the inside
face, and 1” and 2.25” inside the inside face. The dewpoints get lower as you go
further into the wall. (The WUFI-ORNL temperature and dewpoint charts are
included in Appendix #2.)
In no cases do the dewpoints come close to the temperature in the wall. With a
cooling set point temperature of 75 deg. F the WUFI-ORNL model shows no
risk of air conditioning causing condensation inside the masonry wall
construction.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Electric Service: With exception of a couple minor concerns, the electrical
service is in good condition and suitable for continued use, even considering that
the equipment is 35 years old.
The service is rated at 225 amp and is 240/120 VAC, 3 phase, 4 wire
configuration. The 1972 remodel Construction Documents indicate that this is a
“Delta” service. We did not confirm nor verify this while on site, but it seems
likely that the service is “Delta-wired”.
The service enters the building underground in a single steel conduit. A 225 amp
circuit breaker, in a separate enclosure, services as the main disconnecting
means. There are two (2) fused disconnect switches and one panelboard
comprising the distribution system. (See Photo E1)
Photo E1
One of the 100 amp fused disconnect switches serves the air conditioning unit.
The second fused disconnect switch serves the electric duct coil. Both switches
are fused at 100 amps and are 3-wire switches without neutral bars.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
The panelboard is a 30 space panel with a 100 amp branch breaker serving as a
“main breaker”. All remaining branch circuits are powered from this panelboard.
Most of the lighting is also switched, via circuit breakers, in this panelboard.
There are two items of concern with the electrical service. First, all the visible
conductors are aluminum. (See Photo E2) The conductors visible in the
disconnect switches were clearly observed to be aluminum. The service entrance
conductors at the overhead mast appear to be aluminum. We did not remove any
equipment covers to inspect the remaining conductors, but most likely they are
aluminum also. The wiring does not appear to be deficient, nor show any signs
of over-heating, but normally aluminum wire is not allowed in State-owned
properties.
Photo E2 Photo E3
Second, there are three (3) single pole “openings” in the panelboard without any
filler plates. (See Photo E3) It would be very easy to contact the bus bars in this
panelboard. The fact that most of the lights are switched on and off at this
location make the condition even more concerning. Blank filler plates should be
purchased and installed soon to resolve this problem.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
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Lighting: Lighting is entirely track-mounted fixtures with two different types of
fixture heads. (See Photos E4 and E5) All lamps are incandescent (and probably
should remain so.)
Photo E4
Photo E5
The lighting appears to be fully functional and in acceptable condition. The
overall lighting levels seem “low”, but the displays are adequately lit. The track
lighting is “modern” in appearance and not in “historic character”, but
appropriate for museum lighting.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
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Although the lighting appears to be in acceptable condition, this is incandescent
lighting with 35 years of use. Heat from the lamps is undoubtedly deteriorating
the lamp sockets, wiring, and perhaps the mechanical heads and tracks.
Replacement of these lighting systems should be included in a new program.
There are no automatic lighting controls in this building. Most of the lighting is
controlled directly from the panelboard. Individual manual toggles control
lighting to the few small rooms. The manual switch in the basement/crawl space
is broken and should be replaced. All other switches should probably be
replaced as a matter of routine maintenance.
There is one exterior lighting fixture over the main entrance. This is a “modern-
looking” fixture – originally specified to be mercury vapor. (See Photo E6)
Although the fixture appears to be in very good condition, it should probably be
replaced with something more historic in nature. (Architect comment- I admit I
never noticed this fixture before. I think the case can be made that an unobtrusive
modern fixture like this is preferable to a more noticeable "historic" fixture.)
Photo E6
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
Branch circuit wiring and convenience power: Receptacles are fairly minimal in
the building and generally limited to locations on the interior columns. All
receptacles mounted on the interior columns are installed with surface raceway
(Wiremold #500 metallic). (See Photo E7) The receptacles appear to be in
acceptable condition. Since there were installed in 1972, there are 3-wire
receptacles with grounding conductors.
Photo E7
The 1972 branch circuit wiring was all
installed in EMT conduit. That conduit
remains and is in very good condition.
No deficiencies were observed in that
1972 work. A few additions and
modifications have been made in more
recent years. All “new” work was
performed using NM cable surface-
mounted to structural members. This
work should be removed and replaced
with a permanent raceway system. This
is a “museum” occupancy and NM cable should not be used. (See Photo E8)
Photo E8
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
DSF Project No. 06K4L
The need for additional receptacles and branch circuit wiring must be
coordinated with the proposed new program for this building.
Life Safety Systems: Although the building is very small, life safety systems are
remarkably absent in the building. Exit lights are installed, as required by Code
in 1972, but none have battery back-up power supplies. (See Photo E9) They
are circuited from a separate branch circuit tapped upstream of the building main
disconnect switch, but this provides no value during a utility power outage.
Photo E9
There is no emergency egress lighting anywhere in the building.
There are a few low voltage smoke detectors installed in the building; however,
these appear to be connected to Villa Louis’ campus security system and are not
a true fire alarm system for the building. No fire alarm notification devices are
installed. These smoke detectors are designed to warn Villa Louis of a potential
building fire with the intent of saving the building and the furnishings – not
(necessarily) the occupants.
No other life safety systems were observed.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
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Telecommunications: There is telephone service to the building and a couple
single line “station cable” phone jacks are located on the first floor. No other
communication systems were observed in the building.
End of Systems Condition Report
Corrective Work Preliminary Construction Cost Estimates
Plumbing Items:
1. (None)
HVAC Items:
1. Remove the existing vertical self contained air conditioning unit and
provide new HVAC equipment for the building. The replacement system
will consist of two (2) separate HVAC units. One unit will serve the
Second Floor and one unit will serve the First Floor. Residential
furnaces, using natural gas as a fuel, will be used as the central part of
each system. All new equipment will be located in the existing Second
Floor Mechanical Room. A new duct system will be required for the
First Floor as nothing currently exists. Most of the existing duct system
on the Second Floor will be salvaged and re-used. “Residential-type”
air conditioning units, located on grade and screened with natural
plantings, will be included to provide air conditioning. Temperature
Controls will consist of a 7-day programmable thermostat for each unit.
Estimated Cost $25,200.00.
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
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Electrical Items:
1. Replace all aluminum wire “feeders” and large branch circuit wiring
with copper. Replacement of the service entrance conductors are NOT
included at this time. This estimate also assumes that the HVAC
equipment will be replaced and the (2) 100 amp feeders to the existing
HVAC equipment will be removed – not replaced. Estimated Cost
$525.00.
2. Remove all NM cable and related wiring. Replace with a fixed metallic
conduit system where necessary. Estimated Cost $4,200.00.
3. Provide and install “plugs” in all openings in the existing Panelboard.
Estimated Cost $100.00.
4. Replace all exit lights with new LED exit lights with integral emergency
battery back-up power. Provide additional exit lights as appropriate.
Estimated Cost $1,900.00.
5. Provide and install emergency egress lighting throughout the building
with battery-powered “unit” egress lights. Estimated Cost $0.00. (The
new exit lights proposed above will be provided with integral emergency
lighting so no additional fixtures or installation will be required.)
6. Add additional lighting switches, with “good” labeling, to eliminate the
need for Villa Louis staff to switch lighting in the Panelboard.
Estimated Cost $1,250.00.
7. Replace all fixed track lighting with new track lighting. For estimating
purposes, “equal” replacement has been assumed. Estimated Cost
$25,200.00.
8. Replace the single exterior lighting fixture with a “historically-sensitive”
fixture. Estimated Cost $800.00.
End
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Villa Louis Fur Trade Building Evaluation Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
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Part C: Code Analysis
OVERVIEW The documents for implementation of the recommended actions would need to
be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Safety and Buildings
Division for the appropriate reviews.
APPLICABLE CODE
The applicable code is the 2006 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) as
modified by Wisconsin Comm Chapter 66. This building is a qualified historic
building, and as such would fall under IEBC Chapter 11.
USE
The building is currently used as an A-3 assembly occupancy (museum.) The
recommended actions in this report would not constitute a change of use.
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
The recommended actions in this report would not constitute a change of
occupancy.
Compliance Method
Comm 66.0101 (4)(a) allows the applicant to select one of 2 compliance
methods: Compliance with IEBC Chapters 4-12 or Compliance with IEBC
Chapter 13.
Compliance with IEBC Chapters 4-12
CLASSIFICATION OF WORK
IEBC Section 402 REPAIRS
402.1 Scope. Repairs, as defined in Chapter 2, include the patching or
restoration or replacement of damaged materials, elements, equipment or
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fixtures for the purpose of maintaining such components in good or sound
condition with respect to existing loads or performance requirements.
403.2 Application. Repairs shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 5.
The Repairs classification would cover all the structural recommendations and
most of the architectural recommendations (with exceptions noted below.) The
#3 electrical recommendation would also be considered a repair.
IEBC Section 403 ALTERATION-LEVEL 1
403.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations include the removal and replacement or the
covering of existing materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures using new
materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures that serve the same purpose.
403.2 Application. Level 1 alterations shall comply with the provisions of
Chapter 6.
The Alteration-Level 1 classification would include: Architectural
recommendations #10 (replace west stair), #15 (replace basement door), #22
(replace basement louvers), #23 (replace sash at north and east 2nd floor
windows) and electrical recommendations #1,2,7,8.
IEBC Section 404 ALTERATION-LEVEL 2
404.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations include the reconfiguration of space, the
addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension
of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment.
403.2 Application. Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of
Chapter 6 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 7.
The Alteration-Level 2 classification would include the mechanical system
recommendation, and electrical recommendations #4,5,6. The installation of the
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exterior stair or the rebuilding of the inter stairs (discussed below) would also fall
under this classification.
IEBC Section 405 ALTERATION-LEVEL 3
405.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations apply where the work area exceeds 50 percent
of the aggregate area of the building.
403.2 Application. Level 3 alterations shall comply with the provisions of
Chapter 6 and 7 for Level 1 and 2 alterations, respectively, as well as the
provisions of Chapter 8.
The recommended work of this report would not fall under Alteration-Level 3.
CHAPTER 5- REPAIRS
In general, the requirements of this chapter state that the repairs should not make
the building any less conforming than it was before the repair was undertaken.
This chapter applies to historic buildings unless as modified by Chapter 11.
Section 502.2 of this chapter requires replacement glazing in hazardous locations
to comply with the safety glazing requirements of the International Building
Code (IBC). This section of the IBC would apply to any glazing in the doors.
CHAPTER 6- ALTERATIONS-LEVEL 1
This chapter applies to historic buildings unless as modified by Chapter 11.
Accessibility -Section 6.05
IEBC 605.1.11 Thresholds. The maximum height of thresholds at doorways shall
be 3/4". Such thresholds shall have beveled edges on each side.
This would apply to previous comments about exterior doors.
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IEBC 605.2 Alterations. Where an alteration affects the accessibility to a, or
contains an area of, primary function, the route to the primary function area
shall be accessible. The accessible route to the primary function shall include
toilet facilities or drinking fountains serving the area of primary function.
Exceptions:
1. The costs of providing the accessible route are not required to exceed 20
percent of the costs of the alteration affecting the area of primary function.
2. This provision does not apply to alterations limited solely to windows,
hardware, operating controls, electrical outlets and signs.
3. This provision does not apply to alterations limited solely to mechanical
systems, electrical systems, installation or alteration of fire protection systems
and abatement of hazardous materials.
4. This provision does not apply to alterations undertaken for the primary
purpose of increasing the accessibility of and existing building, facility or
element.
This section requires accessibility in altered buildings unless it is technically
infeasible. Most of the Level 1 and Level 2 alterations recommended in this
report seem to fall under exceptions 2,3 and 4 above. The new basement door
does not fall into these exceptions, but the basement does not impact an area of
primary function. The option to construct an exterior stair (discussed below)
would not fall under these exceptions.
See the Chapter 11 Historic Building section below for additional discussion of
accessibility.
Comm 66.0607- Energy conservation requirements
Substitute the following wording for the requirements in IEBC section 607.1:
(1) ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, RENOVATIONS OR REPAIRS. Except as
specified in sub(2), additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs to an existing
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building, building system or portion thereof shall conform to the provisions of
IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) as they relate to new
construction without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building or
building system to comply with the IECC. Additions, alterations, renovations, or
repairs shall not create an unsafe or hazardous condition or overload existing
building systems.
(2) EXCEPTIONS. All of the following need not comply provided the energy use
of the building is not increased:
(a) Storm windows installed over existing fenestration.
(b) Glass only replacements in an existing sash and frame
(c) Existing ceiling, wall or floor cavities exposed during construction provided
that these cavities are filled with insulation.
(d) Construction where the existing roof, wall, or floor cavity is not exposed.
Under this code the new basement door and the 2nd floor replacement window
sash would need to comply with the IECC. This would not be possible for a door
with screened openings for ventilation. Compliance would also be problematic
for the single glazed replacement sash. Jon Molzahn, plan reviewer for historic
buildings at the La Crosse Safety and Buildings office said that the code
definition of a seasonal use building is one that is in use from May 15th to
September 15th. We recommend obtaining a variance during the implementation
phase so these items would not have to comply with the IECC.
CHAPTER 7- ALTERATIONS-LEVEL 2
This chapter would apply to mechanical system recommendations and some
electrical recommendations. The Comm 66.0607 energy conservation
requirements discussed above also apply to this chapter.
CHAPTER 8- ALTERATIONS-LEVEL 3
Does not apply to the recommended work.
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CHAPTER 9- CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
Does not apply to the recommended work.
CHAPTER 10- ADDITIONS
Does not apply to the recommended work.
CHAPTER 11- HISTORIC BUILDINGS
We have been asked to determine the maximum number of people the code
would allow to attend meetings on the 2nd floor.
IEBC 1103.6 Stairway enclosure. In buildings of 3 stories or less, exit enclosure
construction shall limit the spread of smoke by use of tight fitting doors and solid
elements. Such elements are not required to have a fire resistance rating.
This language isn't really clear if it is referring to existing exit enclosures or
requiring exit enclosures where none currently exist.
On June 18, 2008 we discussed this with Jon Molzahn, plan reviewer for historic
buildings at the La Crosse Safety and Buildings office. He said the capacity
would be determined by the 1972 code in effect when the stairs where
constructed. We do not have access to a 1972 code, but Mr. Molzahn looked it
up in his copy during our meeting. The 1972 code did not require enclosed exit
stairs, but did require exit stairs to be 3’-8” minimum wide. The existing stairs
are 3’-0” wide and not compliant with the code in effect when they were
constructed. The current IBC code allows 3’-0” wide stairs, but would require
one stair to be enclosed, or the building to be sprinklered, or the upstairs
occupancy limited to 10 persons (IBC Section 1020.1).
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Summary of stair options:
A. If the current stairs stay as is, the capacity of the second floor should be
limited to 10 people. Perform the stair safety upgrades noted on page 23.
B. If both interior stairs would be reconstructed to 3’-8” wide and meet
current code tread, riser, and handrail and guardrail requirements, the
amount of people on the second floor would be limited by structural
carrying capacity, estimated at around 150 persons. The stairs would
take up more space on the interior, being 8” wider and 4’-0” longer.
This may require reconfiguration of some exhibits.
C. Recreate the exterior stair to meet current code requirements. Perform
the interior stair safety upgrades noted on page 23. In this scenario the
capacity of the 2nd floor would be limited to 49 persons. It should be
noted that a stair meeting current code requirements will look very much
different than the stair shown on the historic photographs.
IEBC sections 1103.9 and 1103.10 would allow existing stair handrails and
guards to remain, provided they are not structurally dangerous. However, as
previously mentioned on Page 23, we recommend upgrading these to comply
with current code to increase user safety and reduce potential liability.
Section 1104.1 - Accessibility requirements. The provisions of Section 605 shall
apply to buildings or facilities designated as historic structures that undergo
alterations, unless technically infeasible. Where compliance with the
requirements for accessible routes, entrances, or toilet facilities would threaten
or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, as determined by
the code official, the alternative requirements of Sections 1104.1.1 through
1104.1.4 for that element shall be permitted.
1104.1.1 Site arrival points. At least one main entrance shall be accessible.
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1104.1.2 Multilevel buildings and facilities. An accessible route from an
accessible entrance to public spaces on the level of the accessible entrance shall
be provided.
1104.1.3 Entrances. At least one main entrance shall be accessible.
1104.1.4 Toilet and bathing facilities. Where toilet rooms are provided, at least
one accessible toilet room shall be provided for each sex, or a unisex toilet room
complying with Section 1109.2.1 of the International Building Code shall be
provided.
Accessibility related improvements would be required (up to 20% of the cost) if
the exterior stairs were recreated. The creation of paved designated accessible
parking spaces and a paved accessible route from the parking area to the east
ramp (see page 6) should be the first accessibility upgrades that should be
undertaken.
CHAPTER 12- RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS
Does not apply to the recommended work.
Compliance with IEBC Chapter 13- Performance Compliance Methods
The building as it exists fails under all 3 categories of the Performance
Compliance methods. The building with the proposed recommendations has an
approved score over the existing building, but still fails in all 3 categories.
Installing a full fire alarm system with pull stations, emergency voice/alarm
communication system controls, and fire department communication system
controls and a new hvac system with no ductwork serving more than one level
(which would require a mechanical room on the first floor) would get the
building close to compliance. Unless compliance with Chapters 4-12 becomes
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problematic during implementation, we do not recommend attempting to achieve
compliance under Chapter 13.
1301.2.5 Accessibility requirements. All portions of the buildings proposed for
change of occupancy shall conform to the accessibility provisions of Chapter 11
of the International Building Code. Taken at face value, this would not require
accessibility related improvements regardless of the scope of alterations as long
as the occupancy would not change. Jon Molzahn, plan reviewer for historic
buildings at the La Crosse Safety and Buildings office, thinks that is an omission
in the code language and told us that accessibility requirements would still be
required.
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Part F: Summary of Recommendations
The implementation of all recommended work should comply with The Secretary
of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Drawings for the implementation
of the recommended work should be submitted to the Wisconsin Historical
Society for review and comment.
Architectural Recommendations Page Discussed
#1 Test building for lead based paint. Page 3
#2 Repair chimney corbel and cap. Page 7
#3 Seal gap between roof soffit and masonry. Page 8
#4 Paint roof soffit, fascia and moldings. Page 9
#5 Repoint limited areas of the exterior masonry wall Page 10
#6 Patch masonry joist pockets where north stair was removed. Page 10,11
#7 Repair damaged west shutter. Page 11
#8 Repair cracked stone sills at doors. Page 11
#9 Remove yellow paint from north masonry wall exterior. Page 12
#10 Replace west exterior stair. Page 12
#11 Upgrade handrails and guardrails at east ramp. Page 13
#12 Replace exterior door hardware. Page 13,14
#13 Paint door muntin. Page 13
#14 Replace exterior door thresholds. Page 13,14
#15 Install weather-stripping at exterior doors. Page 14
#16 Paint railroad track lintel at east basement door. Page 15
#17 Replace basement door. Page 15
#18 Paint window exteriors, fix seal between frame and masonry. Page 15
#19 Repair glass and putty at west basement window. Page 16