Roof Details

Here's a little insight into what was so surprising in a roof that was already known to be problematic.  

It's not so much the condition of the roof as the way it is currently constructed.  This building originally housed 7 individual shops, with brick walls in between.  Over time, most of the brick walls were removed to create one big space out of six of the stores.  But there are still (well, there were) 7 individual roofs, still needing support, each at their own height, some flat, some angled.  

The walls were replaced by steel beams with some posts supporting them.  But take a look at the picture - click on it to enlarge if you'd like.  This is looking almost straight up at the roof from inside the building.  You can see that there is a 2-3' tall section of brick wall that remains.  That is not necessarily a bad thing on its own.  But what is currently holding up that brick wall?  Not much.  Our structural engineers have determined that we cannot move forward with this structure.

This and similar issues in other sections of the building is why we will soon be taking down what remains of these walls and replacing them with a more integrated roof and support structure.

Though this does add some additional costs to the contruction - perhaps $30,000 - the result will be more stable, longer-lasting, and a more attractive market.

(Speaking of roof support, your member loan supports our building this new roof - please consider making a loan today!)