Structural Engineer Letter - Hopkins House• RYAN S. HELLWIG, PE • STRUCTURAL ENGINEER •
June 24, 2011
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish
3 Elm Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Attn: Father John Connor
- - -- -- Historic Northampton - - -- - --- - 7777 - - -- 7777 -- - - - -- - -- -- -- -- -
46 Bridge Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Attn: Steve Strimer
Re: Erastus Hopkins House
141 King Street
Northampton, MA
The following is a summary report of my review of the above - mentioned structure. On June 21,
2011, I personally made a visual inspection of all accessible areas of the building. The focus of
the inspection was the basement and the attic, where some of the structure is visible. The
primary goal of this review was to gain a general understanding of the structural system and to
assess the feasibility of relocating the building to another site.
The main part of the building is approximately 45 feet on each side, and about 22 feet tall at the
eave and 35 feet tall at the peak. There is also an attached rear garage, but it was not inspected,
since it would not be included in the relocation. The structural system consists of dimension
lumber joists, studs and rafters, and timber beams and posts. The walls appear to contain brick
nogging between the studs. The foundation walls were not inspected, as they would not be
relocated either. There is a brick veneer on the exterior that is clearly not original.
There are two interior bearing walls that line the central, main stair hallway and are about 8 feet
apart. These walls run all of the way from the basement up to the attic. This center stair hall bay
is flanked by two much wider bays, almost 18 feet wide.' On the 2" floor these bays span clear
over the first floor rooms, while in the basement there are brick piers down the middle of the bay,
presumably supporting a timber beam. Although all of the 2" floor joists and beams, and most
of the Pt are covered by plaster, the structure appears to be in good condition overall, judging by
the general stiffness and straightness of the floors, walls and ceilings.
The roof system consists of inclined rafters supported by the exterior walls and by interior posts
and timbers. Aside from some old fire damage, the roof structure appears to be in good
condition. Some of these inclined posts, as well as the center king post, give the impression of
0 28 ALDRICH STREET 0 NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060 • I
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Structural Assessment
Erastus Hopkins House
101 King Street
June 24, 2011
forming a timber truss system, but I suspect that they are also supported by the two stair walls,
and that what appears to be trusses may really just be timber roof frames.
In my opinion, the condition of this building structure is good, especially considering its age.
Moving the building to another site appears to be feasible.. It would be better to remove the brick
veneer before jacking it up. Assuming that there are no weight limits on the relocation route, the
nogging may be able to remain in place. The size and weight is not so great as to exceed the
capabilities of a qualified building mover. However, I suggest that you also confer with an
experienced building moving company, to determine the costs of, limitations to, and any specific
requirements for the relocation.
Because this is an existing building without any original structural drawings, and because many
of the as -built construction details are not visible or accessible, this opinion must not be
construed as a guarantee of complete safety, nor as a statement of compliance with any building
codes.
Respectfully,
Ryan S. Hellwig
Massachusetts Professional Engineer #37300 - STRUCTURAL
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