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��_� Co Grunw, r• ADetroit, MI 48217 Major Avenue Building Restoration Since 1953 gcbuildingrestoration.com Detr Office: 313.843.8440 Fax: 313.843.9060 September 6, 2012 Mr. Donald Napoli, Director St. Joseph County Public Library 302 S. Main St. South Bend, IN 46601 SEP i 1 z012 .BY . Regarding: The Avon Theater, 307 S. Michigan St. Dear Mr. Napoli: Per our conversation of September 5, 2012, we are pleased to provide our observations, recommendations and options for work at the Avon Theater. During our inspection of the facade of the Avon Theater we observed the following: • Numerous individual units of terra cotta exhibit cracks ranging from 1/32" to over 1" in width. When cracks exceed 3/5 of the actual thickness of the terra cotta section the unit must be considered for removal and repair prior to replacement. ➢ - It is important to note at this point that failure is unpredictable,. and that severely cracked and unstable units or sections may easily become dislodged and fall from the fagade. This represents a serious concern for public safety. At a minimum, we would recommend that the entire sidewalk area at the building fagade be protected by installing "walk- through" rigid scaffolding and decking, and that the parking spaces along the front of the building be cordoned off. • As to the overall condition of the masonry facade. Without invasive or destructive testing or inspection, it may be assumed that the back-up material or brick masonry substructure has been compromised by the additional presence of moisture migrating through the terra cotta veneer. Also because terra cotta veneer units are originally anchored or held in place by wires, small structural steel framing members, and thin strap anchors, and given the age of the building it must be assumed that most, if not all, of these anchoring devices have corroded, deteriorated and in fact -may no longer be present. CLEVELAND + DETROIT, :.; •, ,'TOLEbO ) (HEADQUARTERS -.'.