1636 Lincoln Way West Demolition Report

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov Roof The majority of the wood roof rafters and deck material was compro- mised from years of water infiltration. The roof of the four story por- tion of the building was sagging and created a pond situation on the western half. Most of the rubber/tar/membrane roofing had deterio- rated and little aggregate remained as evidenced by aerial photos (Fig. 6) and the amount of water on the interior. It is unknown if roof scuppers or drains were functioning. Whole sections of roof on the one and two story sections of the building were collapsed or missing entirely. The storefront facing Lincoln Way West had significant wood rot to the decking and joists and failing membrane (Fig. 7). Iron Approximately 30% of the structural iron was deficient. Due to ex- tended periods of water infiltration, iron embedded in concrete began to rust and deteriorate. This in turn caused accelerated failure of the concrete. Newer steel beams on the storefront facing Lincoln Way West were in good condition having been exposed to far less water. (Fig. 8) Concrete Approximately 50% of the concrete comprising the structural makeup of floors was compromised and weakened from years of wa- ter saturation. Prolonged saturation resulted structural steel rusting and popping concrete creating avenues for more water infiltration. This prolonged saturation weakened the concrete’s structural integri- ty resulting in a softened state which crumbled easily. (Figs. 10, 20 & 21) Some pieces could be crumbled by hand. This was most evi- dent in the oldest parts of the building where concrete consisted of a wide range of inclusions and aggregates. Western sections of the building were in acceptable condition. The large concrete foundation for the steam engine was in excellent shape and maintained its strength. A excavator jackhammer was needed to break it down for removal. This is due to a higher strength concrete composition suited for withstanding the continuous vibra- tion and linear and rotary forces exerted on it. (Fig. 9, 26 & 27) Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9 Fig. 10