737 Bridge St ch34 2017-02-02 (2)City of Northampton
Massachusetts
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS
212 Main Street ● Municipal Building
Northampton, MA 01060
Anthony Gray
ANSwer Engineers LLC
33 Dixwell Ave. #211
New Haven, CT 06511
February 2, 2017
Dear Mr. Gray,
I received your report on the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems in the former
Northampton Nursing Home building at 737 Bridge Road in Northampton.
Your report addressed the current condition of those systems and noted the likely problems caused by
freezing and water damage.
As you indicated in the report, there are significant problems with all the systems. You stated that all
systems should be further investigated and tested to determine the extent of damage and required repairs or
upgrades. I agree with your evaluation.
Your report does not address all aspects of the building. The Massachusetts State Building Code for
evaluation of existing building. The code, chapter 34 section 101.5.4.0 states:
Investigation and Evaluation. For any proposed work regulated by this code and subject to 780 CMR,
section 107, as a condition of the issuance of a permit the building owner shall cause the existing building (or
portion thereof) to be investigated and evaluated in accordance with the provisions of this code. The investigation
and evaluation shall be in sufficient detail to ascertain the effects of the proposed work on at least these systems:
structural, means of egress, fire protection, energy conservation, lighting, hazardous materials, and ventilation for
the space under consideration and, where necessary, the entire building or structure and its foundation if
impacted by the proposed work. The results of the investigation and evaluation, along with any proposed
compliance alternatives, shall be submitted to the building official in written report form.
Section 107 requires that a registered design professional (architect or engineer) do the work;
All plans, computations and specifications involving new construction, alterations, repairs, expansions or
additions or change in use or occupancy of existing buildings shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision
of a registered design professional and shall bear his or her signature and seal (see Section 107.1.1). Said
signature and seal shall signify that the plans, computations and specifications meet the applicable provisions of
this code and accepted engineering practices. Any alternative means and methods which deviate from
prescriptive requirements of this code shall be submitted to the building official for approval in a narrative form
separate from the plans.
More investigation needs to be done to evaluate the whole building per 101.5.4 and also the requirements
for the proposed change of use. This additional investigation and evaluation must also be done by qualified,
registered design professional.
Please pass this information along to the building owner. Feel free to contact me if you have any
questions.
Respectfully,
Louis Hasbrouck
Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
(413) 587-1240
lhasbrouck@northamptonma.gov