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Historic Structures Report For the CSPS Sokol Hall Of Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota
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HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT
for the
CSPS Hall
of the
Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota
for the
CSPS Hall
of the
Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota
Table of Contents | |
| Part 1 | Introduction |
| Part 2 | Physical condition Site |
| Part 3 | Exterior |
| Part 4 | Interior |
| Part 5 | Utility Systems |
| Part 6 | Patterns of Use Building Code Analysis - Accessibility Existing Conditions Recommendations Additional Considerations |
| Part 7 | CSPS Hall Cost Estimate |
| Part 8 | Chronology of Building Changes |
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
Buildings, like people, require periodic physical examinations so that problems can be identified and addressed before they become more difficult to correct. In the summer/fall of 2008 MacDonald and Mack Architects conducted a conditions survey of the building to assess the current condition and identify the source and make recommendations for any problems. Our assessment is that overall the building is in fairly good condition. It is important to remember this fact while reading this report that, by its very nature, is meant to focus on the building's problems and not to call out positive characteristics or conditions.
SITE
CSPS Hall is located at 383 Michigan Street, at the intersection of Michigan Street, Western Avenue South, and West Seventh Street in Saint Paul.
PLANTINGS AND GROUND COVER
Description:
There are plantings along the north, south and west sides of the building. There are
several trees quite close to the west side of the building. Due to species type (maple, pine) they will continue to become quite large. There are
no plantings along the east and south side of the building due to sidewalk and street, although there are several trees along the boulevard. There
are several volunteer (?) trees behind the north side of the building, near the alley.Condition:
The plantings do not appear to be causing any problems to the site or building structure,
although the trees at the west side of the parking lot are rather close to the building and may be of some concern to the stone foundation.Recommendations:
Typically we recommend keeping trees away from buildings but if the organization is
committed to keeping the tress, we recommend keeping the trees well trimmed at the side facing the building to minimize the roots growing in that
direction.GRADING
Description:
The grading at the building is appropriate at the south, east and west sides of the
building. The majority of water run-off is to the north of the building and there is no slope to drain the water to the alley.Condition:
Runoff from the roof has created trenches at the north side of the building that are of
concern. Because there is no slope, when there are great amounts of water, it has not place drain, and saturates the ground and finds the lowest
point, into the building.Recommendation:
Slope grade away from the building foundation at the north side of the building all
the way to the alley to provide greater drainage. Also extend downspouts at the same location.SIDEWALKS
Description:
Concrete sidewalks run along Michigan Street and Western Avenue South. These sidewalks
span vaulted cellars, accessible from the basement.Condition:
The sidewalks are in good condition at Michigan Street. Along the east side of the
building at Western Avenue South, the sidewalks are in poor condition. The sections of concrete have heaved at the joints and create a tripping
hazard. There have been inadequate asphalt patches installed to span the vertical differences. The sealant between the building and sidewalks is
in poor condition.Recommendations:
Install new sidewalks with good sound base.PARKING
Description:
An asphalt parking lot is located to the west of the building. A line of maple and pine
trees to the west frames the lot, by a chain link fence to the north and east and the building to the west. Access is limited to the south, from
Michigan Street. The lot slopes to the south and provides adequate drainage.Condition:
The parking lot is in good condition.Recommendations:
None at this time.
This page last updated October 10, 2009