As demolition is well underway on two downtown Hopkinsville buildings, the fate of a third structure is now in question after an inspection by an engineer found issues with an exterior wall.
Engineer Kelly Gardner with Gardner Engineer and Consulting sent Hopkinsville Assistant Fire Chief Chad Sivills a letter dated Tuesday noting he was called to inspect the exterior wall of the former Boyd’s Bridal and Formal Wear at 804 South Main Street after it became exposed with the demolition of 806 South Main—the former Lees Pool Hall.
Gardner notes in his report that ‘concerns were raised about the structural integrity of this common wall’ and he found ‘serious structural deficiencies.’
Among those were missing mortar from brick joints, weakened and loose mortar, broken brick, cracked brick, dislocated brick and insufficient bearing of wood floor joists.
He writes ‘these conditions are considered pre-existing and inherent with the means, methods and materials used in the original construction in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.’
Inside 804 South Main, Gardner says a large area of ceiling drywall had fallen due to water infiltration. He also notes wall rod bracing used on an exterior wall that meets 804 and 802 South Main. He writes the purpose of the bracing is to keep the outer unreinforced masonry from bowing outward and any work or changes at 804 South Main must take into consideration the potential impacts on the building at 802 South Main.
Ultimately Gardner concludes the current wall that joined 804 and 806 South Main is beyond repair, with tuck pointing not a viable option due to the severity of the conditions. He says the base of the wall has severe deficiencies.
Gardner says it’s his opinion the condition of the wall is an imminent danger, with potential for collapse. He continues that it’s unsafe for occupancy and is a public hazard.
Three options are listed for going forward—replacing the wall in its entirety, construction of a new, structural wall outside the existing wall and tie the new wall to the floor and roof systems, or demolition of the entire building at 804 South Main.
As noted previously, demolition would require an engineered plan regarding potential impacts to 802 South Main.
