SOLUTION

WJE used a multidisciplinary team of in-house experts (including architects, structural engineers, and fire and life safety professionals) to effectively and efficiently assess the condition of many different elements of the City Market complex. The WJE team performed an assessment of the facade, windows, roof, structure, surrounding site, and water infiltration. They also reviewed the existing fire and life safety systems and how they relate to the possible redevelopment of the complex. Additionally, where possible, the team performed close-up visual and utilized drones to access difficult to reach aeras.

The findings of WJE’s assessment were summarized in a report to J.S. Held and DMD. In this report, the team provided recommendations for repairs and order-of-magnitude cost estimates for proposed repairs over a period of ten years. Repair recommendations included repairs to the brick and limestone facade, historic wood windows, roofs, concrete elements, and plazas as well as recommendations to address ongoing water leakage. The recommendations also included possible upgrades to the fire and life safety components in the event the complex is redeveloped. Repair recommendations were developed with consideration given to the complex’s NRHP status. DMD used these findings to plan future repair work and to evaluate different possible future uses for the complex.