A.4.1 - 1204 E 6th St - 9.27.2021 HLC Backup — original pdf

Backup

August 25th, 2021 Historic Landmark Commission P. O. Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767 Re: 1204 E. 6th Street – Austin, TX 78702 I, Irene Sanchez, am one of the former heirs of the house and property located at 1204 E. 6th Street in Austin, Texas. This home was in my family for 75 years. Over the decades, we witnessed East 6th Street evolve drastically to become the vibrant commercial district that it is today. While our home played a large role in our lives, we recognized that the location was no longer ideal for single-family use as it is now heavily populated with entertainment venues and many other commercial uses. Therefore, we decided to sell the property in 2021. The new owners of this property have stated that they would like to relocate the house, which is over 100 years old, to a more fitting residential location where restoration will be more fitting and viable. I am providing my support for the application for this relocation. Sincerely, Irene Sanchez Irene Sanchez Structural Evaluation Report 1204 East 6th Street. Austin, Texas 78702 Report Issued: September 23th, 2021 Prepared By: FORT Structures TBPE#: 18034 2235 East 6th St. #105, Austin, Texas 78702 512-817-9264 www.fortstructures.com Page 1 of 5 Subject: Structural Evaluation Report – 1204 East 6th Street, Austin TX, 78702 Fort Structures PC is pleased to submit the results of the structural evaluation for the above-referenced project. This report briefly presents the findings of the visual study along with our conclusions. If you have any questions regarding the information in this report, please feel free to contact me at 512-565-7026, or sam@fortstructures.com September 24, 2021 Sept 23rd, 2021 Cater Joseph Joseph Companies cater@josephcompanies.com Sincerely, Samuel Covey, P.E. Principal, TX Reg# 123,796 FORT Structures PC TBPE Firm# 18034 Note: I warrant that I visually inspected the components of this property as addressed in this report in a diligent manner and have honestly reported the findings existing conditions and have made recommendations based on my experience and opinion. Fort Structures does not express or imply any guarantee of specific future structural performance with the limited scope of this inspection; rather, this is my best effort to interpret my observations and develop an opinion as to structural significance. There may be other issues affecting the structure that are not visible without destructive investigation. The conditions of the various components of this property described in this report are true as of the date of inspection. Changes may occur in this property after the inspection date, which could make null and void the contents of this report. No other warranty, either expressed or implied, is hereby made. 1204 E 6th Street., Austin, TX Structural Evaluation Report Page 2 of 5  Fort Structures performed an on-site visual, noninvasive evaluation of the subject property. The structure is a one-story, approximately residence constructed circa 1907. The foundation of the house is a pier and beam construction with piers and dimensional 2x wood floor framing. The walls and roof are framed with dimensional lumber. For the age of construction, our limited investigation revealed that the building structure is in very poor condition. The structure appears to be compromised and it is our opinion that this structure shall be deemed unsafe, dangerous, and substandard construction. The following deficiencies were observed: Extremely High levels of floor foundation movement were recorded throughout the structure. Many of the floors are significantly sloping which indicates foundation support system has failed, is not structurally stable, and will likely continue to deteriorate The entire structure appears to be distressed due to foundation movement which is evidenced by widespread cracking and damage. Glass panes were cracked at the corners of several windows. The widespread damage to the structure’s finishes is caused by high differential vertical floor movement due to inadequate and failing foundation elements. There is widespread evidence of water damage at the building exterior walls. Evidence of water infiltration was observed at windowsills at the building exterior throughout the structure. There are numerous water damaged sheathing and structural studs that compromise the integrity of the structure. There are widespread areas of water staining, chipping/peeling paint Though not directly observed, there is likely widespread framing rot and deterioration at the exterior walls and foundation framing at areas prone to water intrusion. • Multiple portions of the roof are show signs of rot and deterioration The screen porch framing at the rear of the structure is structurally inadequate. The structure framing is extremely weathered and shows signs of deterioration and does not meet the requirements of the International Residential Code. The stairs and guardrails do not meet International Residential Code load requirements and may present as a safety hazard. The current roof and floor structural framing do not meet current building codes for load capacity. Restoring the structure to meet modern building codes or industry standard construction will require an extensive effort and will likely be cost prohibitive. Conclusions In conclusion, the existing house contains significant structural deficiencies and should be demolished. There are multiple structural hazards present and the structure is unsafe for occupancy. The structure does not meet the requirements of the International Residential Code. Every structural item in this house would need to be rebuilt or strengthened to meet the current code requirements, which is not financially feasible. There is no redeeming structural value in this building. Based on the existing condition of the structure and the required amount of effort the restore the structure, it is Fort Structures’ professional opinion that the Structure is defective, compromised, and beyond repair. 1204 E 6th Street., Austin, TX Structural Evaluation Report Page 3 of 5 • • • • • • Appendix B – Photos Rotted Wood in Contact with Ground Foundation Crawlspace – Block and Conc Pier High Levels of Foundation Movement High Levels of Foundation Movement 1204 E 6th Street., Austin, TX Structural Evaluation Report Page 4 of 5 Water Damaged Studs and Sheathing Water Damaged Studs and Sheathing Appendix B – Photos Rotted and Damaged Roof Framing Peeling Pain, Damaged Wood, Ground Contact 1204 E 6th Street., Austin, TX Structural Evaluation Report Page 5 of 5