Tin Tsin Letter from James Grant, engineer

This Letter pronounces the demise of the Tin Tsin Building on Main St
See article, "Roof. Roof. Roof:" 



James K Grant
 Structural Engineers


November 20, 2003

Michael Paulhus, First Selectman
Town of Windham
979 Main Street
Willimantic. CT 06226


Re:   The Tin Tsin Building

Dear Mr Paulhus

On Tuesday, November 18, 2003, I inspected the Tin Tsin Building with Town Engineer, Joe Gardner. The purpose of the inspection was to assess the current structural condition of the building.  My most recent prior inspection was in June during preparation of plans to stabilize the building.  My earliest inspection was in August 2000 when I was engaged by the town to conduct a structural condition survey.

Over the more then the three year period that I have been inspecting this building it has quickly deteriorated from a structure with a few problem areas to one with widespread structural problems. The  facade of the building was, and still is, the most important and structurally   sound part of the building.  Since June, however, the condition of the interior of the building has spiraled downward. There are more collapsed floor and roof areas and I believe that the exterior walls have lost a great deal of lateral support that the floors and roof once offered.  Without sound structural support at each framing level, the walls can become unstable and subject to collapse without warning.  With the possibility of heavy snow load now upon us ,it is imperative that the conditions be addressed at once. Further collapse of an already weakened roof would lead to progressive collapse of additional floor levels and likely collapse of some exterior walls.

The stabilization project that was recently bid would have provided the necessary corrective work, but the lowest responsive bid exceeded the available funds.  Unless the funding shortfall is satisfied so that the stabilization work can begin immediately, I believe there is no feasible and prudent alternative to demolition of the building.  Plans to demolish the building should proceed without delay

Sincerely


James K Grant, P.E.

Copy: Susan Chandler, State Historic Preservation Office

2074 Park Street, Hartford CT 06106
Tel:860-236-5236: Fax: 523-7967