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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 Unsafe Structure Letter1 September 29, 2025 Ben Abbey Chief Building Official City of Bozeman Building Department 20 East Olive St., Bozeman MT 59715 Ben, As you may be aware, the existing building at 321 N. 5th has been unoccupied for 3 years since the previous owner/user moved out. Despite our best efforts to move forward with a new use for the site quickly the process has dragged on and at this point we believe that the building is considered an Unsafe Structure per the definition of the 2021 IEBC and we are requesting that a Demolition Permit be issued immediately to resolve this situation. The specific conditions that define an unsafe structure or equipment under the 2021 IEBC include: 1. Unsafe, Insanitary, or Deficient: This includes structures that are not clean, lack proper ventilation or lighting, or have inadequate means of egress. The building at 321 N. 5th has been disconnected from power, gas, water, and fire sprinkler services. The interior of the building has undergone hazardous material abatement efforts and while much of the hazardous material has been removed, asbestos and lead paint may still remain. In addition, many walls/doors, lights and mechanical equipment have been removed or are not functional. The elevator does not function. The building is not clean and means of egress are compromised. 2. Fire Hazard: Any structure or equipment that poses a risk of fire is considered unsafe. The building does not have an active fire alarm or fire sprinkler system. These systems that typically provide advanced notice of and help prevent the spread of fire in the structure will not do so if a fire were to start. 3. Danger to Human Life or Public Welfare: Conditions that are inherently dangerous to people or the general public are classified as unsafe. The interior of the building is unsafe for anyone to be inside (see photos below). 2 3 Despite our best efforts to secure the building there have been multiple instances of unauthorized entry and vandalism. In addition, the Fire Hazards noted above pose a danger to the general public and surrounding properties. Also, due to the leaking roof structure, water has accumulated on the second floor and has significant microbial growth throughout (see photos below). 4. Illegal or Improper Occupancy: The use of a structure in violation of legal codes or in an inappropriate way can make it unsafe. 4 Multiple police reports have been filed due to breaking and entering, vandalism, and illegal occupancy of the building. Police reports were filed with the Bozeman Police Department due to observed breaking and entering and vandalism inside the building numerous times over the past year. In addition, DCI Engineers recently conducted a thorough inspection of the building and determined the condition of the building specifically the failing roof structure and unbraced masonry walls make the building unsafe (see attached DCI letter dated September 29, 2025). 5. Inadequate Maintenance: A lack of proper care and upkeep that results in hazardous conditions. Without water, power and gas service to the building it is impossible to maintain the building properly. As such, the building will continue to deteriorate. 6. Unsecured Vacant Structures: Any vacant building that is not properly secured to prevent unauthorized access is deemed unsafe. The building has been properly secured but doors/locks and windows have been broken, which has allowed unauthorized access. Trespassing is frequent and has led to a danger to the public (see photos below). These marks were made from inside the building. 5 Based on the above, we believe that the building meets the 2021 IEBC definiƟon of an Unsafe Structure, and a demoliƟon permit should be issued immediately. Please confirm our understanding of this criteria and process. Sincerely, Andy Holloran 5th and Villard Apartments LLC LOCAL EXPERTISE, NATIONAL EXPERIENCE. LEARN MORE AT DCI-ENGINEERS.COM September 29, 2025 HomeBase Partners Andy Holloran 20 North Tracy Ave Bozeman, MT 59715 Re: Existing Bridger Rehab Building Fifth and Villard, Bozeman, MT Dear Andy: As requested, we are providing our professional opinion regarding the current structural condition of the building referenced above. Matthew Hubbard and Sam Fox walked the site with you on September 23rd to observe the building in its current condition. The existing structure consists of multiple building sections and additions of varying ages and construction types. Our observations below are focused on areas where deterioration and deficiencies are most evident. At the southern addition, the roof has failed, resulting in significant water infiltration throughout the structure. At the upper level, steel roof joists were observed to be wet, with standing water present at the second floor. Organic growth on floor surfaces indicates that water infiltration has been ongoing for an extended period. Without a functioning roof system, water intrusion will persist. The exposed steel open-web joists and metal deck at the roof structure are unpainted and untreated, making them vulnerable to corrosion and eventual section loss, which could lead to structural failure. At the first floor in this area, the second-floor framing system, comprising steel open-web joists supporting a concrete-on-metal deck, was also observed to be wet. Localized areas of the metal deck have already corroded, and similar deterioration of the second-floor framing is expected to continue without intervention. If the building were to be re-occupied, the following repairs and upgrades would be required: • The roof would need immediate repair to arrest water infiltration. The steel open- web joists, w-beams, and columns would need to be wire-brushed to remove surface corrosion and inspected for section loss. The deteriorated metal deck would need to be removed and replaced, and the concrete slab may also need to be replaced at these locations. • The IEBC would require that the exterior masonry bearing walls be tied positively to the light-frame roof deck, both at the wood-framed roof and the metal deck roofs, prior to the occupancy of the building. Currently, the structure does not provide this continuity, and the unbraced walls are susceptible to out-of-plane LOCAL EXPERTISE, NATIONAL EXPERIENCE. LEARN MORE AT DCI-ENGINEERS.COM failure under seismic loading, even at levels below design criteria. This failure could lead to the collapse of the roof structure. • The IEBC would require that all unreinforced interior partition walls be braced to the building structure. They currently pose a life-safety risk in a design-level or smaller earthquake. In summary, the building in its present state does not meet life-safety requirements of the current building code. Continued water infiltration will accelerate deterioration of critical framing elements at the roof and second-floor levels, posing an unsafe condition and a risk of collapse, particularly in a seismic event. Unbraced masonry walls throughout the building further contribute to the unsafe condition and risk of collapse during a seismic event. Re-occupancy would require substantial new construction, structural upgrades, and immediate measures to stabilize deteriorating components. Sincerely, DCI Engineers Sam Fox PE, SE Associate Principal Attached: Photos of Existing Deficiencies LOCAL EXPERTISE, NATIONAL EXPERIENCE. LEARN MORE AT DCI-ENGINEERS.COM Figure 1: Wood roof to CMU wall connections are not adequate for seismic design loads. Figure 2: Prolonged water exposure has led to organic growth on the second floor. LOCAL EXPERTISE, NATIONAL EXPERIENCE. LEARN MORE AT DCI-ENGINEERS.COM Figure 3: Unbraced masonry partition wall (left) and prolonged water exposure at CMU bearing wall (right) causing paint to bubble. Figure 4: Water infiltration coming from below grade at lower level causing deterioration of the bottom courses of CMU at the exterior bearing wall. LOCAL EXPERTISE, NATIONAL EXPERIENCE. LEARN MORE AT DCI-ENGINEERS.COM Figure 6: Deteriorated composite metal deck at mid-span at risk of failure. Figure 5: Corrosion at metal form deck, open web joists, and steel beam resulting from prolonged water exposure.