I've worked in Chicago for many years and the highest price I've ever paid for a slate roof, even
<br />brand new from scratch with copper flashing, lead coated copper flashing, was $1,200 a square. Now
<br />when I read numbers like this it screams to me at somebody is phonying up their numbers to make
<br />their case, and I object to that. I find it -abhorrent.
<br />And another example - windows. First of all, I don't agree that the windows need to be replaced in
<br />way, shape or form. I believe that the original windows, because it is a historic property, should be
<br />restored and can be done so and be made more energy-efficient than a replacement window. They are
<br />in excellent condition, the -original -windows in this property.- I -have a number $650 per -opening -
<br />including a combination wood storm that never has to be taken off because it has self -storing
<br />capabilities with screens and glass, complete restoration of the windows, all putty removed, all paint
<br />removed, all weather-stripping for both the primary window sashes and the storms. Instead of the
<br />$650, their number to replaces the windows, $4,000 per window. I have never seen a commercial
<br />building that had windows that expensive.
<br />Wood flooring. I went through this building from top to bottom and it has beautiful wood floors.
<br />And the most expensive wood refinisher that you could get in this community is $2.58 a square foot.
<br />You'd have to look pretty hard find this guy, because most of the people are charging $1.50 to $2.00
<br />a square foot. Even if you put in repairs of the existing wood floors, you're still no more than $3.50 a
<br />square foot, maximum. There number is 750 square feet and that's based upon my numbers at 4,000
<br />square feet, and there are not 4,000 square feet in this building. I was never given the square footage,
<br />but my guess on both floors is closer to 3,000. Most of my numbers, by the way, is based on a 4,000
<br />square foot structure.
<br />Per your request I walked through the Cemetery Gatehouse at 2300 Portage Avenue on November 15,
<br />2005. I was very impressed with both the architecture and the excellent condition the property was in.
<br />I basically disagree with just about every element of the rehabilitation write-up the applicant
<br />provided. There has, however, been long deferred maintenance throughout the structure. My findings
<br />are as follows:
<br />Roof. The roof is a red slate on the main structure and an organic three -tab shingle on the early, rear
<br />addition. The red slate roof is in surprisingly good condition. Yes, there are some broken slates and
<br />there are some bad flashings, but the connections as you look into the attic space and see where the
<br />nails come through, it's not an issue. So, replacement of this red slate is readily available, in either
<br />salvage material or brand new. Copper flashings are also available and so the roof is highly
<br />restorable and does not need to be taken off in any way shape or form. I inspected the property
<br />during an extremely hard rain and saw no rain coming into the house either from the roof or the
<br />foundation. The addition should have a complete tear -off its three -tab shingles down to the sheathing,
<br />re -sheathed, and another red shingle similar to in color to the slate, the three tab could be done again,
<br />because its on the back. The slate and flashing repairs - $12,000; addition roof, approximately 6
<br />squares at $500 a square, which is the high end of what people charge per square for complete tear -
<br />offs for roofing here people in our community — $3,000; gutters and downspouts, assuming half -
<br />round gutters with downspouts, coming in at around $3,000. That is opposed to $180,000. We have a
<br />total of $18,000 for all roof work. That's mind-boggling to me. I'm sorry, but it just is.
<br />Masonry and concrete flat work. The exterior stone and the foundation are in excellent condition.
<br />Minor re -pointing of the exterior stone and foundation stone is needed. New parging on the exterior
<br />of the addition's brick foundation is also needed. Parging is cementitious coating that they've had on
<br />there since the very beginning on this addition. It needs to be patched up and redone. The stone
<br />chimney does not need to be replaced just re -pointed with a new cap installed. There are some cracks
<br />in the stucco panels on the main building as well as the addition. The sidewalks around the building
<br />should be replaced for positive drainage. Any moisture that we're getting into that basement is
<br />23 January 2006 HPC Meeting Minutes [Corrected Version)
<br />13
<br />
|