Implications of the foundation plan for renovations (Background Report)

LAST MONTH, we received a revised plan from our structural engineering consultant. One crucial aspect was their assessment of the concrete foundation that is needed underneath the basement floor, to support the loads from the structure above. 

The renovation plan, as submitted to the City for review, calls for demolishing the existing walls of the basement men’s room and its adjacent small corridor, in order to install three new strong structural walls atop new concrete footings.

Foundation plan around the basement men’s room

To produce this illustration, I have adapted the engineer’s drawing, by cropping a section and then simplifying the structural elements and adding the blue labels and lines for orientation. 

Below the jump, I interpret the illustration and discuss its implications for synagogue programs.… 

Water Intrusion Under Front Steps — Not Yet Stopped

FEW PEOPLE ARE AWARE that our sanctuary’s front steps sit atop a portion of the basement. Until now, probably even fewer have known that whenever those steps get wet (from rainfall, or being hosed down, or washed), water percolates through and finds its way onto the ceiling of the rooms beneath. 

The results of this intrusion? They include: rusted rebar, spalling of the concrete, degradation of basement wall surfaces, damage to the ceiling drywall, discoloration of ceiling paint, dripping of water onto the floor, and potential dry rot in the ceiling joists.

In this post, I will discuss the nature of this problem, our attempted resolutions, and my plans for future action.