60GroveSt-BldgInspection-041316Griffin
Engineering
Group, LLC
April 13, 2016
Mr. Michael Hubbard
MRM Project Management
PO Box 388
Beverly, MA 01915/
Subject: 60 Grove Street — Existing Building Inspection
Dear Mr. Hubbard:
As requested, the undersigned made a visual inspection of the subject building on
April 13, 2016. The building is a two and three-story wood framed structure
previously used for industrial and office uses. The building has been vacant for
approximately ten years. The building contents have been almost completely
removed; a few industrial components were apparent within the building.
The building is not habitable and has been substantially damaged by weather, time,
vandalism and decay. All building systems, such as electrical, heating, ventilating,
and plumbing have been substantially damaged and are inoperative; their remaining
portions are antiquated and inadequate. There are numerous roof leaks and
damaged windows. Mold and moss were growing on the walls and floors in many
locations.
The wooden posts along the main interior bearing lines in the first floor are clearly not
plumb. The second floor of the building has shifted away from the canal. The
building design lacks adequate lateral restraint, even if it were new. Portions of the
first floor have collapsed into the crawlspace below. Wood joists and beams have
pulled away from main girder beams supporting the second floor so that wood tenons
are partially exposed. Numerous second floor and roof joists are broken, rotten and
sagging. Floor and roof sheathing has rotted through in many locations so that
considerable care must be exercised simply walking through the building. Access to
the crawl space was not available during our inspection, however through gaps in the
first floor sheathing and from the building exterior we observed damaged brick and
concrete supports and damaged stone masonry supports.
Based on our inspection it is clear that the building is presently unsafe for any
occupancy. Substantial reconstruction of the building would be required to make the
building suitable for any use in a manner compliant with current building codes. The
existing building layout and its means of access and egress would require substantial
modification. The extent of required modifications and reconstruction are so
comprehensive as to be impractical.
Accordingly, we recommend that the building be demolished at the earliest
opportunity. The building has already been red -tagged to warn emergency
responders of the hazardous condition of the building. Suitable postings prohibiting
Phone 978-927-5111 I Fax 978-927-5103
495 Cabot Street
www.griffineng.corn
2nd Floor Bevetty. MA 01915
Mr. Michael Hubbard
MRM Project Management
April 13, 2016
Page 2
entry to the building and continued efforts to secure the building from vagrants is
recommended until the building is removed.
Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance. Should you have any questions or
comments, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the
undersigned.
Very truly yours,
Griffin Engineeripg Group,
04-1 if- .
Robert H. Griffin, P.E.
Cc: T. St. Pierre, Salem Director of Inspectional Services