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Met with Weldon and Jon to discuss downtown project to be sponsored by the Foundation for Laramie. A visual walk through the site was conducted. Feasible ideas to the future of the site, it’s potential, and timeframes were discussed. It was agreed that Seth would investigate the structural implications of backfilling the hole and examine utility locations for future development, specifically water and sewer locations.

Structural Investigation:

October 2, 2002

The following day I advised Built Green Technologies about the issues surrounding the project downtown. I asked David Bunn about his interest in performing any or all of the construction work. David seemed very interested and contacted James Johnson, a professional structural engineer. James visited the site and his suggestions and recommendation for stabilizing the hole are attached.

To summarize his findings; he provided details into the work that would be required structurally to stabilize the site. He also gave advise for preventing the north and south walls from further deterioration. Other suggestions included the widespread removal of all existing debris from the site. This includes trash in both hole and chamber rooms at west end of site. This is a must to ensure the proper settling of soil while the backfill and slurry are placed.

James reports that the north wall needs only moisture protection in the form of metal flashing. The south wall requires a 4” reinforced concrete cap attached to the existing wall to prevent moisture penetration and structurally retain the soil bearing pressure. Lastly, he describes methods to stabilize the west sidewalk chamber rooms.

Site Investigation:

October 7, 2002

The following week I performed a detailed site survey. The survey includes 20 photos of various interests. The photos are in my office. They include shots of current and previous utility locations, debris, all chamber rooms, structural close-ups of north and south walls, and aerial shots of entire site.

I measured all pertinent locations of utilities, site dimensions, and size of all chamber rooms. Next, I created a detailed site plan. This plan may be used for construction estimates, future development plans, and construction purposes. Addition copies of this site plan will be provided by request.

Site Review:

October 7, 2002

The same day I visited four building officials to investigate further details about the site. First I spoke with Jerry Hankin at the permit office. He stated the following requirements needed to be met before he could issue a building permit.

Check structural stability of north and south walls.

A. The structural engineer found that the north wall needs no further structural assistance to perform as a retaining wall, while the south wall will require a reinforced concrete cap or wall.

Locate utilities and perform site survey.
Create detailed site plan.
Obtain written permission from south neighbor, Naomi Nottage if any structural wall or soil physically touched her building foundation.
Provide means and methods to ensure stabilization of site.
Meet city engineer’s requirements.

I next visited with the city engineer, Bob Juve. I ask him about his knowledge of

utilities at the site. He suggested I speak with Cal Vanzee at the water department for water and sewer information. I then asked him about stabilizing the sidewalks above the chamber room. Bob reviewed the report from the structural engineer and said that his recommendation would be adequate.

Next I spoke with Cal. He didn’t know where any utilities were located and suggest I speak with Donnie, who is the city utility inspector. I contacted Donnie and arranged to meet him at the site later that day. Donnie and I toured the site and we located usable utility locations on the west side of the site. He suggested the following measures in order to prepare the site for future use.

1. Existing water into Jon Johnson’s site is adequate in it’s location as long as Jon retains ownership of the north lot.

2. Donnie stated that the water and sewer located in chamber room # 1 on site map would adequately perform the needs of future development on the site.

3. He suggested the necessity of roughing in the plumbing (sewer/water) before the chamber rooms are closed off and filled. This entails the creation of a subsurface man hole well that would be located below the existing man hole cover above chamber room #1. This well would contain a water curb stop or valve that would control the incoming water to the site.

4. Donnie suggested that the rough in plumbing would need to be placed through the east side chamber wall and capped during backfill.

5. He also stated that, if in the future water needed to be split between the middle and south lots, it could be done easily.

6. He reiterated the fact that it is crucial to rough in the plumbing utilities now before any work is done on the state.

7. Lastly, he stated that only licensed plumber could do the work and that the city would supply the water valve to the plumber.

Recommendations:

October 16,2002

This investigation and report above should be used as a guideline only. Obviously it is up to the Foundation for Laramie members to decide what courses of action to take. My goal is to help the Foundation succeed in a successful project and add to Laramie’s downtown atmosphere.

I realize the urgency and timeframe of this project, but I urge the Foundation to explore the following suggestions below before moving forward on filling the hole.

1. Consider the scope of the entire project from a cost perspective.

2. Consider the correct steps that need to be accomplished to make the project a success.

3. Consider what the implications of filling the hole would be. Pros, Cons, etc.

Pros

1. Improves the overall appearance of the site, which could lead to additional funding for the project.

2. City has donated the backfill

Cons

1. If and when building is built on the site, excavating the site for a new building foundation could result in costs of $25,000+. This cost is something that wouldn’t need to be subtracted from the project budget if the hole was left empty at this point in time.

2. Realizing the value of downtown square footage, that a current hole which already exists is work that is complete for a subsurface structure. In short, it is extremely valuable space that could and should be utilized.

3. Realize there will be costs associated with bringing in the donated backfill.

4. Establish long-term wants, needs, and goals for site.

5. Get community input on project scope.

6. Establish realistic budgets for project including construction cost and yearly operating cost.

7. Establish a project that will increase the value of its property to it’s full potential.

I recommend the following measures be taken by the Foundation for Laramie in the next two weeks and beyond.

1. Prepare utilities by locating plumbing contractors, obtaining bids, and comply with water and utility department.

2. Obtain written letter from Naomi Nottage to perform work alongside her building foundation.

3. Perform suggested work outline by the city officials and structural engineer and suggestions in this report.

Sincerely,

Seth Carson

P.S. Jon and Weldon, I have plotted site plans for you, and will deliver them soon. I will be happy to help coordinate the construction work and visit with Foundation for Laramie to voice my recommendations.

Lets visit soon and get this project rolling!