The Majestic Building, Chicago, IL
Comprehensive investigation of the architectural terra cotta and brick masonry cladding on the exterior of this 19-story historic structure located in downtown Chicago, IL. Initial involvement included responding to an emergency situation whereby the City of Chicago had closed Monroe Street in front of this building due to the possibility of loose terra cotta falling from the building. Included inspecting most of the terra cotta cladding on the perimeter of this large building. Included detailed nondestructive examination of the very large projecting cornice around the entire perimeter of the building at the roof line. Involved considerable interface with the City of Chicago Department of Buildings, and the Legal Department. Problems in the terra cotta had arisen due to corrosion of the steel supports for that cladding and corrosion of the steel frame of the building, as well as freeze-thaw degradation of the underlying brick masonry backup materials. |