23B-046 (103) June 16,2003
Mr. Tony Patillo,Building Inspector
` ,
City Hall
210 Main Street _ ~
HEALTHCARE Northampton,Massachusetts 01060 1 -7 ^nod
ARCHITECTS INC.
Re: Basement Level Connector Corridor
Connecting the West Wing with the P-2000 Wing
CORPORATE DIRECTOR
Edward L.Jendry,A.I.A. Dear Tony:
SENIOR PRINCIPAL This letter is a follow up to our meeting on Monday, June 9, 2003 regarding several
C.J.Whitham of the proposed renovation projects at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. This letter
specifically deals with the proposed renovations to the Basement Level Connector
PRINCIPALS Corridor that connects the West Wing with the P-2000 Wing.
Don Hafner
Richard E.Katsanos Based upon our conversation the ceiling height of the new fire and smoke enclosed
Ann Lawrence Knox corridor will vary from a(6'-8")ceiling height at the top of the first ramped area,
Richard P.Wilk
which will increase in height as the ramp descends towards the south. At the 90
degree turn of the ramp the finished ceiling height will be(7'-1"),which will also
ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES increase in height as the second ramped area descends towards the P-2000 Wing. In
William M.Barry,P.E.
Ronald G.Stenlund,P.E. our conversation we discussed dealing with the ceiling height problem below(7'-0"),
via Chapter 34—Repair Alteration Addition and Change of use of Existing;
Buildings of the Sixth Edition of the Massachusetts Building Code.
Chapter 34 allows for compliance alternatives as described in 780 CMR 3406.0 if
accepted by the building official. The compliance alternative that is being suggested
to offset the non-compliant ceiling height,is the separation of the corridor area from
the medical records file storage area with a 1 hour rated, smoke tight enclosure,
which will make the corridor a far safer area than currently exists with the westerly
wall not separating the corridor totally from the adjoining medical records room. It
should also be noted that there are obstructions in the unfinished corridor ceiling that
project below the(6'-8")level. These obstructions(i.e.: conduits and sprinkler
piping)will be raised to allow the construction of the new drywall ceiling,thereby
actually raising the ceiling height a few inches.
Therefore,under Chaaater 34,the proposed compliance alternative to the non-
compliant ceiling height condition is being requested. If after review,you find the
above compliance alternative appropriate,please let me and the Hospital know of
your decision.
Sincerely,
LTHCARE CHITE TS INC.
ward d .I.
ELJ/al
Cc: George Nolan—Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Tim Pelletier—Raymond Houle Construction
Richard Katsanos—Healthcare Architects Inc.
HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTS INC. 64 GOTHIC STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 413-585-1512