Reminder about Facility Preparedness

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has posted resource links for preparedness information on their web site (www.preservationnation.org/resources/technical-assistance/disaster-recovery/cultural-institutions-prep.html),  Aside from the safety implications for severe weather, earthquakes, fire, and floods, it is socially responsible to protect our historic architecture from the ravages of arson, time, insects, and natural disasters.  "They don't build 'em like they used to" may be a common phrase, however, it it is not just the structures that are at risk, it is the contents of the buildings, too.

Finding safe and secure off-site storage for historical documents and records should be a priority for any organization that owns or manages a facility.  Storing fragile wood and paper items in basements is an invitation to destruction in the event of a fire or flood, and insect infestations can also erode and damage goods.  Water damage can be significant when even a small fire erupts, as fire fighters work vigorously to see that a fire won't spread throughout a building by dousing it liberally with thousands of gallons of water.  Water runs down hill, so anything in lower levels can be flooded by fire suppression water as it drains down through cracks and crevices.

How is your fuel supply?

Another good reason to use off-site storage for scenery, props, and costumes is in the cause of fire reduction.  What is not present as fuel cannot contribute to the fire.  Other benefits are the reduction of clutter allowing more efficient use of the available spaces.

Chicago Area Theatre Experiences Roof Failure

Midway Theatre's roof partially collapsed Friday, March 23, 2012. The building is at 721 East State Street in Rockford, Illinois has been vacant since about 2003.  Fortunately, no one was in the building during the collapse.

“We talked with the property owner and we ordered him to get some immediate shoring on the remaining trusses and get us an engineering report on the temporary shoring so we know it is done properly,” building code official Seth Sommer said. “Then, he will be working toward a permanent solution.”

Photo courtesy of Rockford Fire Department

Downtown architect and River District Association President Gary Anderson said the building is a historic Rockford landmark. Opened in 1918 with its signature 90-foot clock tower and curved stone facade, it serves as the eastern architectural gateway to downtown Rockford.  It is a building the Rockford Historic Preservation Commission was able to save, Anderson said, and it is listed among the city’s officially designated historic landmarks.

Although it was used as a movie house for many years, it was transformed into a community theatre, served as home to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and used as office space and a TV production studio for a time.

Entering buildings that used to be, or might make a good production space is risky.  One of the first things most building owner's let-go is the roof's weather seal, and this can lead to rapid rotting and rusting of structural members and ceilings, particularly plaster ceilings. Other hazards in old building can include rotted flooring and stair wells, asbestos, and mold spores due to decaying fabrics, animal feces, and even animals.  A few minor holes into a building can allow pigeons, rats, and sometimes larger animals to infest the space, and that will accelerate the rate if decay.  Further dangers include blocked exit routes, so should an entry path become blocked, there may not be another way out.

Old buildings can be wonderful treasures to restore, and can bring economic revitalization to downtown areas, but until they have been inspected by professionals and the necessary steps taken to shore-up structural elements, seal roofs, and mitigate health hazards, don't go poking around in them.