31D-148 (6) City of Northampton
0
Massachusetts, ,
di �_ ' DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS -. `
212 Main Street • Municipal Building
401 Northampton, MA 01060 s�N ° tom
July 11, 2013 3 ID
Ms. Carol Heon
Carol Heon Real Estate
16 Center Street
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Central Chambers, 16 Center Street, Northampton, MA
Dear Ms. Heon:
This letter is written to address the repairs that need to be completed at 16 Center Street in
Northampton, MA and our expectations of what needs to take place at the building as a whole.
As per the International Existing Building Code Chapter 4, section 403.1 this is an alteration
level one project.
Repair of the fallen area of plaster, while leaving the remaining plastered area in place is not
an option. The engineers report supplied by Ryan S. Hellwig, PE and dated July 9, 2013.
Clearly states, it is reasonable to assume that other parts of the ceiling, could also fail. The
entire remaining ceiling needs to be taken down and replaced.
Prior to new drywall being put in place, we would require the ceiling area to be strapped, so
that when drywall is placed, fasteners may properly secure the mounted drywall.
A permit needs to be put in place for this repair. Do to the nature of the buildings use and size;
this is controlled construction under the Massachusetts Building Code 780-CMR and needs
to be monitored by a licensed design professional or engineer. Should your engineer feel he
does not need to monitor the project he or she may submit a waiver form for controlled
construction.
Lastly, our office is requiring that the entire floor where the collapse took place have all ceiling
areas examined by a design professional or a Massachusetts licensed contractor to determine
if this was an isolated problem of a much larger hazard to the public. We would require this
done within 15-days of the receipt of this letter by you. A report from this inspection would
need to be supplied to our office with a determination if the areas on this floor are found safe to
occupy.
Should you have any questions, you may call me at anytime to discuss this matter.
Respec ully, 49
Kyle J. Scott
Local Building Inspector
City of Northampton
Tel: (413) 587-1240
Email: kscott @nothamptonma.gov