162 Federal Street Chimney SHC letter 2October 26, 2017
Mr. Dan Ricciarelli
Seger Architects, Inc.
10 Derby Square
Salem, MA 01970
RE: Existing Chimney Removal
162 Federal Street
Salem, MA
McBrie, LLC Project #17-043
Dear Mr. Ricciarelli,
It is our understanding that the Salem Historical Commission is concerned about the removal of the west chimney facing Federal Street at the 162 Federal Street renovation project in
Salem, MA. The preliminary design drawings indicated that this chimney would be retained “above the roof line”, repointed and removed below to facilitate the new residential program.
As construction commenced demolition provided direct observation of the chimney and framing construction. It was observed that due to the existing construction method of the roof the
exterior walls were leaning out from the center of the building on all exterior walls of the original building knee walls at the third level. Also, the fourth-floor level framing
was undersized and never should have been used for habitable space. A stairway opening was cut into the original third floor ceiling to create 4th floor habitable space. This increased
the effects of the roof construction on the outward lean of the exterior walls.
The chimney to remain was intended to be supported on the fourth floor level and some modification of the existing structure assumed to be in place would occur. After demolition and
exposure of the existing structure it was observed that the base structure assumed to be in place did not exist. To support a masonry chimney for the existing height above the roof,
it would have required extensive and economically infeasible structure to support and stabilize a brick masonry structure.
The General Contractor/Owner and the tax credit consultant reviewed the condition and it was determined that the chimney would be removed and replaced with a framed chimney and clad
brick to match existing dimensions and profiles with a concrete cap. This faux chimney would weigh significantly less and therefore allow for reasonable modifications to the structure.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you require additional information.
Sincerely,
Michael Perham, PE
Structural Engineer / Managing Member