Threefoot Emergency Order

A crew from United Fence Company this morning began constructing a protective fence around the Threefoot Building downtown in response to recommendations from White Construction, the contractor for the Threefoot Hotel project.  At tonight’s Meridian City Council meeting, Mayor John Robert Smith will inform the council of the emergency action, which will also include the removal of parapets and the installation of temporary supports and waterproof materials at three locations on the building’s
facade. These emergency purchases are authorized under state law.

In a letter to HRI, the developer for the project, Gary Lambert, senior project manager at White Construction, said he inspected the building last week accompanied by Rick Ramsdell of Southern Preservation Systems, one of the prospective bidders for the facade restoration work. Upon visual inspection of two parapets facing 22nd Avenue, Lambert said, “…we noted the separation from the structure has significantly increased since prior
inspection–probably three times greater in overall length by my recollection.” He said Ramsdell “indicated that in his opinion, the collapse of these elements is imminent (however the timing cannot of course be pinpointed) and strongly urged that we fence off the street and commence
stabilization measures without delay.”

The two then examined the large terrace/parapet facing Sixth Street and concluded that “Its condition is worsening by the day, and although it is not currently as perilous as (the 22nd Avenue parapets), this could change
quickly and without warning. The safe move is to go ahead and remove this parapet now in order to preclude any damaging occurrence . “All three of the sites were identified as potential hazards in a report  issued by BioPure Consulting in March, titled “Facade Urgent Repair Scope.”

Lambert also noted in his letter that “This is a stormy time of year and we have been experiencing some strong thunder storms with heavy rains and high winds–with every occurrence, the risk of disaster increases.” White
Construction already has one quote in hand for the emergency work and is soliciting several others. The city will select the best proposal as soon as all quotes are received.

The emergency repairs will include removal of the parapets– with the decorative elements being carefully set aside for reuse or repair– and the installation of temporary supports and a waterproof membrane.maureenlofton@meridianms.org

Maureen Lofton
Assistant for Governmental Affairs
City of Meridian
P.O. Box 1430
Meridian, MS  39302
Phone:  (601) 485-1819
FAX:  (601)485-1911
e-mail: maureenloften@meridianms.org