21 Locust Engineer·1,( (_.oc.t-l ~ T ~ --------1.}.J ~,z.Z{
)ACOB SMITH ENGINEERING & DESIGN
January 9th, 2019
To: Mr. Robert & Nancy Westgate
Anton Corliss Cleaners
21 Locust Street
Northampton. MA O I 060
Re: Structural observation of existing framing for a proposed new partition wall:
21 Locust Street
Northampton, MA O 1060
Mr. Robert & Nancy Westgate.
RECEIVED
JAN 1 6 2019
DEPT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS
NORTHAMPTON. MA 01060
You have previously contacted me and informed me that you intent to install a new interior
partition wall assembly separating the existing space located at the address indicated above into 2-
relatively equal spaces. You intend on renting each space , ith a business use in mind. You informed me
that the local building department has requested a letter addre sing the structural implications of this wall
assembly. Per 2015 International Existing building code, this proposed alteration would conform to a
Level 2 alteration. '
On January 81", 2019 I met you at the address indicated above to observe the existing structural
assemblies associated with a commercial structure constructed from type 4-B or 5-B construction (heavy
timber w/ unconcealed spaces or light wood framing). Upon my arrival 1 could see that this structure is a
single story and has a symmetric "saw-tooth" roof profile. There are a total of (6) roof gable assemblies
that appear to cover (3) separate occupancies. Your location in this building is the 211d & 3rd bay towards
the east side of the structure. Interior occupancy separation walls and exterior walls consist of concrete
block assemblies, however the majority of the southwe t building face consists of storefront glazing.
Upon entering this structure I could see that the existing roof structure consists of roof deck
planking supported by Glu-Lam arches spanning east to east spaced at 8'-0" on center. (Estimated). The
Glulam arches are in turn supported along there exterior edges by concrete block walls and the common
interior support line consists of a dropped Glu-Lam beam supported by steel pipe columns at a regular
spacing.
You intend to install a new partition wall below the existing interior Glu-Lam beam, running the
length of the unit space from north to south. This new interior\: all assembly shall be a non-load bearing
wall assembly. The proposed new non-load bearing wall assembly could be constructed from wood or
cold form steel. Building code requires a minimum interior lateral design pressure of 5 psf.
The requiremen ~()J .5 {fJfernational Existing Building Code -Section 807 Structural for a
Level 2 alteration ar t required in this ca e becau e the existing gravity and lateral structural systems
are not being altere<i. ... ~ ... ·)=
Thank you, ••
Rec,~ > A
b F. Smith P.E.
Jacob Smith Engineering an
8 COATES AVENUE; SOUTH DEERFIELD, MA 013 73
JAKE@THAYERSTREETASSOCIATES.COM
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