Project Type: Evaluation

 The Vital Structure: 

Boston City Facade Ordinance Evaluation, Limited Fall Hazard Concrete Repairs, and Exterior Facade Sealant Replacement

Issue

 

The Belvedere Condominium building is an 11-story mixed-use building (plus a roof penthouse) constructed with structural steel frame, precast concrete exterior wall panels plus commercial grade, aluminum framed curtainwall window systems with architectural metal wall panels.  The overall building height, from the grade level to the main roof parapet (above the 11th Floor) is approximately 146 ft.   As such, the Boston Façade Ordinance 9-9.12 evaluation requirement applies for the building since the overall building height is higher than 125 ft.

Diagnosis

Vital Structures façade evaluation was performed via a close visual inspection consisting of three (3) “drops” at the buildings East, Northeast, and North elevations for the full height, by swing stage.  The Southwest elevation was reviewed with a 150 ft. aerial boom lift.  The façade evaluation identified randomly located concrete spalls at the first, second and tenth floor levels at the embedded steel “hoisting clips” at the horizontal surfaces of the precast concrete elements. Additionally, it was determined that the existing sealant between precast elements, window frames, architectural metal panels, and other building features had surpassed its life expectancy and required replacement.

 

 

 

Solution

Concrete repairs included preparation and coating of the embedded steel for acceptable coverage and corrosion protection were specified by Vital Structures and performed by a qualified contractor to eliminate potential fall hazards at the Southwest (front) elevation.   Upon completion of the acceptable repairs, a certified letter was submitted to the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department and the City Ordinance Certificate was issued to the Belvedere Condominium Trust. In early 2022, we performed an evaluation via boom lift and swing stage to determine the details and conditions of sealant joints and surrounding conditions on the building prior to a full-scale sealant replacement project. This project is currently in the design phase and is on schedule to be completed in two phases in the Fall of 2022 and Spring of 2023.

Evaluate. Guide. Revitalize.

Let's Do Something Vital Together!

“An Objective Expert We Could Trust”

We retained Vital Structures after finding our builder unwilling to help identify and rectify obvious bowing and waving to our accessory building.  The information provided by Vital was impressive as it was detailed and specific calling out nonconformance to building codes, industry standard construction practices and manufacturer specifications.  The reports were written in a way that was observational, with pictures and evidence.  Had we not hired an objective expert we would have been faced with serious structural problems unknown to layman.  The professionalism, expectation setting and follow-through on Vital Structures part was the due diligence we needed to protect ourselves in this endeavor.  It is well worth the time and expense to correct the issues in advance of accepting subpar construction.

Jeanne Pagani

Homeowner

“Vital Structures Has My Highest Recommendation.”

As the trustee for the Lois J. Lewis Trust, I contracted Vital Structures to oversee a project to evaluate and repair the foundation pilings of an 1880s lakefront cabin on Spofford Lake. The cabin’s piling foundations had deteriorated due to hillside erosion, age, and lack of maintenance. By the time Vital Structures took on our project, the foundation was close to failure.

David Morand, who oversaw the project, was professional, meticulous, and flexible,- offering several well-considered solutions to our problem. He and his team were involved from start to finish, readily available for updates, and on site to address any issues that arose. David was also instrumental in connecting us with a contractor who could meet our unique needs, given the limited access and difficult site conditions.

I can’t say enough good things about the way Vital Structures conducted the project and their professionalism throughout the process. They were a pleasure to work with.

Kenneth Betts

Trustee, The Lois J. Lewis Trust

“Vital provided invaluable assistance and made our buildings healthy again!”

Our Association hired Vital Structures to inspect our decks. David, Richard, and the rest of their team are very professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. As our relationship formed, Vital Structures became our Engineers of choice to develop a new design to replace all the decks in the Association.  Vital provided us with invaluable assistance in obtaining Contracting Bids, so we had verifiable Construction Company choices.  Once renovation began, Vital oversaw the project, holding Contractors accountable, ensuring construction was completed to our new design specifications and that the job was done correctly.  Everyone loves the new look and our buildings are becoming healthy again!

Mike Labrecque

Trustee, The Colonial Village

“A huge value to our business!”

We are a waterfront business operating in Provincetown for over fifty years. Vital Structures has been our valued “go-to” partner whenever we address issues relative to our building or property. Their comprehensive knowledge and ability to assess issues and provide solutions across the board is truly a unique expertise and of huge value to businesses like ours. They are service-oriented, extremely responsive, and know their business – and ours. Five-star excellence in all regards!

 

Jill Botway

Managing Director, The Boat Slip LLC

“Highly Recommended! “

Vital Structures llc has proven to be a top notch engineering firm. Beginning with a comprehensive and thorough review of the job scope, to the completion of a project with no details missed. All personnel involved with each project we have found to be excellent to work with and yet never willing to compromise details that would have any adverse effect on the project. Whenever unforeseen conditions arise, they are immediately back to the drawing board without any hesitation in order to keep the project moving. I would highly recommend Vital Structures llc for any structural or building envelope projects.

Brett Emery

Emery Construction LLC

“An Eye for Detail”

We have been working with David Morand of Vital Structures on a few different projects over the years.  We are completely impressed as he is professional, has an eye for detail, is very thorough, and always answers all our questions.  David & the Vital Structure’s team are very knowledgeable about the industry, very proactive with their approach, and always do a great job.  I would not hesitate to use David and his team on the future projects.

Laurie Ferrari

CEO, Peters Property Management
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