Story posted Friday, March 12, 2010
City Hall Has Leak Problem
Des Plaines aldermen expect to discuss a plan to stop leaks at city hall at next Monday's city council meeting. The leaks are not of a political nature, but rather rainwater coming through walls and ceilings.
Aldermen plan to discuss putting off a budgeted project to demolish the civic center parking deck to pay for between $131,860 and $167,050 in roof, parapet and masonry repairs to city hall to fix the leaks.
Water regularly leaks into city hall from the third through sixth floors during rain events, according to a city report.
Assistant Director of Public Works Jon Duddles said water has been leaking to the point where trash cans need to be put under ceilings in the building during periods of rain, including in the mayor's office.
A city report prepared by Assistant Public Works Director Adam Boeche listed several options for repair but recommended a $131,860 plan to replace 4,904 sq. ft. of roof at a cost of $22.50 per sq. ft. totaling $110,340. It also recommends to rebuild 136 sq. ft. of parapet (the small wall surrounding the roof) at a cost of $115 per sq. ft. totaling $15,640 and 490 sq. ft. of masonry pointing along the sides of the building at a cost of $12 per sq. ft., totaling $5,880, to prevent rain water from leaking in through windows.
To fund the fix a budgeted $225,000 capital improvement project to demolish the civic center parking deck and rebuild a surface lot will be delayed. Funds left over from the city hall rehabilitation work will be put toward resurfacing the deck. Architects working with the city found that there were no structural issues with the existing parking deck to necessitate its immediate demolition.
Duddles said that though there was significant water leakage, he has not seen any evidence of resulting mold.
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