Compromised building façade at 608 7st SW still under investigation

Calgary – The City’s Safety Response Unit (SRU), from Planning Development & Assessment, designated to act in response to construction site or building safety incidences, continues to remain on scene with the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) at 608 7st S.W. to investigate the status of compromised building façade on the east side of the building. 

“Our Safety Response Unit remains onsite and is working closely with the Calgary Fire Department to continue to investigate the structural integrity of the building,” noted Wayne Brown, Acting Chief Building Official. “The City’s investigation at this point has identified that brick veneer on the third and fourth floors is not being laterally supported, and is causing the bowing and an unsafe condition to exist.” noted Brown.             

Earlier this morning, engineers contracted by The City estimated that the brick wall bowing is a minimum of 300mm, and remain onsite to continuously monitor the situation.

“We’re taking every precaution at this point to ensure public safety, and we appreciate the patience of Calgarians impacted directly or indirectly. At this point, it’s impossible to predict with any certainty what might happen next with building façade, we’re simply not taking any chances,” said Brown.

The City has instructed the building property owner to immediately retain the services of a professional engineering firm to further assess the condition of the block veneer and lateral support, and prescribe recommendations to stabilize, remediate or remove the unsafe condition.  Property owners have acted quickly and responsibly by securing an engineering firm to begin their own investigation.  A written report is to be provided to the SRU no later than Friday, May 23, 2014.

The building remains closed to all occupants and barriers and fencing have been erected by the Calgary Fire Department to protect the public from entering the surrounding area.  Some local businesses in the surrounding area remain evacuated. Re-occupancy of these buildings will not be permitted by SRU and CFD until the unsafe condition can be corrected to The City’s full satisfaction.

The SRU thanks all local property owners and managers for taking voluntary steps to protect the public by closing off walkways, and access points in the surrounding area.

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