Rogers Demo notes 2016-09-26September 26, 2016
Notes on Rogers Hall
The fire on August 5th was like a perfect storm; it happened at a time when the building was
most vulnerable. It really did destroy the building. Many people spent literally scores of hours
trying to determine the best course of action and trying to find a way to save the structure but it
is damaged beyond repair.
The initial plan to convert Rogers to apartments was an ambitious undertaking. A building that
old presents unique challenges. The first set of renovation plans were scrapped when the
interior was gutted and structural issues became apparent. The second set of plans addressed
those issues but the project costs increased. At the time of the fire, the structural repairs were
complete, the interior partitions were framed and the plumbing, wiring and sprinkler systems
were at least half done.
Nearly all that work needs to be redone. The amount of additional work needed to replace parts
of the existing structure damaged by the fire triggers additional building code requirements. The
whole building needs to be re-evaluated and additional structural improvements will be required.
The project costs going forward (additional structural work, repairing the fire damage and
finishing the renovations) are at least double the original estimates.
Beyond all that, I don't think it is even possible to make the building safe for the winter. It really
needs to be made weather tight before winter. There's not enough time to evaluate, design and
install enough temporary bracing to support a roof and snow loads before the temperatures drop
below freezing. The walls are open at the top, the bricks are very porous and there's already a
lot of water in the lower portion of the wall. Freezing and thawing will dislodge bricks in the lower
of the wall, increasing the risk of collapse.
I issued the order to demolish the building after considering all the alternatives. Demolition was
the only practicable course of action.
The least stable parts of the building are down. The demolition debris is being sorted for
recycling and the rest of the building will come down soon.
I’ve included a copy of the architect’s assessment done prior to ordering the demolition.
Louis Hasbrouck
Building Commissioner
City of Northampton