Summit Presbyterian Church
Renewing the Spirit- Restoring the Buildings Where we Stand: Restoring the Tower
Posted by: Chelsea Badeau on Thu, Jul 1, 2010
Click to read Benjamin Brandt's Report
Is the crack in the tower getting worse?
Yes. In addition to the observations of the Summit congregation, photographs taken over the last year by the Engineering firm Keast & Hood confirm that the tower crack is getting wider, and it is appropriate to take action at this time.
Should we take the tower down, at least to its 1923 height?
Removing the top of the tower will relieve some pressure. However, stabilization of the base with steel bars will still be necessary for the resulting shorter structure.
The cost of removing the top of the tower was estimated to be $250,000, plus the cost of stabilizing the base, plus the cost to seal the roof where the tower was removed.
Members of the building committee have decided to stabilize the base first. At this time, there is no evidence that the earth is unable to support the weight of the tower. The steel bars and routine pointing may be all that we need.
What’s the next step?
The Trustees have contracted with Shared Systems Technology to install steel tension bars to stabilize the base of the tower. On Thursday, June 3rd, the engineering firm of Keast and Hood will begin measuring the tower and begin the process of determining the size and design of the steel tension bars. Money for the project is borrowed from the Manse fund, and will be repaid from the proceeds of the Renewal Campaign.
Estimated cost for stabilizing the base of the tower is $55,000.
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