4.3. SR 08-03-2015 Eclty1� ,.,�� Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.3
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent August 3, 2015 Zack Carlton,Planning Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Receive,by motion, the Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment.
Background/Discussion
The Jackson Street Water Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012 and since
then the Heritage Preservation Commission has been working towards restoring the structure to its
original condition. However,before any restoration efforts could begin the tower needed to be evaluated
for structural deficiencies and possible lead paint concerns.
The city received a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society in mid-2014 to complete a condition
assessment,which is the first step in evaluating what must be done to restore the historic structure to its
original condition. The city hired Collaborative Design Group to complete the assessment this past spring
and the final draft of the document is attached.
Overall, the structure is in good condition. There are some minor concerns with the posts and some
corrosion,but nothing unexpected for a structure of this age. The evaluation does not recommend
removing all of the lead paint,but instead recommends removing the peeling paint and cleaning/sealing
the rest. The preliminary cost estimate for the project is $85,000.
The Heritage Preservation Commission's goal is to restore the tower to its original condition by repairing
the minor structural issues and painting the tower in the original red and silver colors.
Financial Impact
Future restoration efforts will be funded by ERMU, state grants, and fundraising efforts.
Attachments
■ Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment
POWERED 6T
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Jackson Street Water Tower
City of Elk River
Condition Assessment
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Prepared By
Ca COLLABORATIVE 'DesignGroup,inc.
100 PORTLAND AVENUE SOUTH, SUITE 100
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55401
PHONE: 612.332.3654 FAX: 612.332.3626
Project Number 15010.00
July 1,2015
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
Architecture
Engineering
Interiors
Planning
July 1, 2015
Zack Carlton
City of Elk River
ca
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
40"'
Re: City of Elk River Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment
CDG Project #15010 4e
Dear Zack, - -We have completed the Condition Assessment for the Jackson Street Water Tower as proposed.
This report summarizes our evaluation procedures, along with our observations, conclusions
regarding the current condition of the water tower, and recommendations for repairs.
The services performed in evaluating this assessment and in preparing this report have been in
accordance with the level of skill and care normally used for this type of project. The
conclusions and recommendations discussed in this report are our best professional opinions
based on our knowledge of current design and repair of this type of building. No warranties are
expressed or implied.
It has been a pleasure to perform this service for you. If you have any questions, or if we can be
of further assistance, please feel free to call.
Very truly yours;
Collaborafiwe Design Group,
I �- W
Ci Milken, PE
Principal
100 Portland Avenue South, Suite 100
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
t 612.332/3654 f 332.3626
Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer www.collaborativedesigngroup,com
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY....................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................2
SCOPEOF REPORT.............................................................................................2
Review of Documents.................................................................................2
Discussions with City of Elk River Personnel .............................................2
Observations.................................................................................................3
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS.................................................................28
Introduction.................................................................................................28
General Discussion ....................................................................................28
RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................................30
PRIORITIES AND ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COSTS........................................30
& COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
From a structural standpoint, all components of the Water Tower appear to be performing
well. Besides some more superficial issues, such as the presence of chipped paint, rust, and
lichen, all steel components are in average condition, especially for their age. The legs are
securely bolted to the concrete footings. There are no noticeable problems with any of the
tie rods, horizontal girders, or lattice work on the legs.
Two issues were observed, both located on the legs, which will need further maintenance
beyond the obvious painting. The first issue relates to some corrosion of the steel at the base
of the legs. This condition is hidden by the concrete that was installed to drain water from the
legs. It would be important to investigate the condition of the steel behind the concrete
further during the painting project by removing a portion of the concrete infill and inspecting
the steel. If the corrosion is worse than what is observed presently, some remedial action may
need to be done to strengthen the base, such as the addition of steel plates to replace the
loss of cross sectional area due to corrosion.
The second potential concern involves the steel splice plates connecting the leg sections.
Some of the plates are bowing as result of rust jacking,which occurs when the backside of
the metal rusts and expands, causing the front of the panel to move outward. Further
investigation and testing is recommended to confirm the severity of the corrosion and
determine the proper remedial action.
Paint is chipping on the Water Towers legs, tie rods, and horizontal girders; the surface of
much of the exposed steel is covered in rust. The condition of the underside of the tank and
its surrounding walkway platform was observed to be similar to that of the legs, tie rods, and
girders, with a significant amount of weathered paint and rust. The sides of the tank
appeared to be in good condition relative to the rest of the Tower, but the roof and cap are
weathered with rust stains present from seams in the roof panels.
Considering that the Water Tower structure is no longer supporting the weight of water in a full
tank, maintenance and periodic observation will be all that is required in the future, and no
major structural modifications will be necessary. Some minor modifications may be necessary
as identified above.
All of the Towers surfaces should be painted, including areas that may not be easily visible
from the ground, such as any exposed areas of steel angles, the inside of legs, and the
walkway platform. A new coat of paint will not only return it to its original appearance, but it
will also protect the steel from further rusting and deterioration.
The two potential structural issues should be further investigated with a more in depth study of
the areas in question. We recommend that a portion of concrete from one of the leg bases
be removed to get a better understanding of the condition of the steel. The bowing steel
splice panels should also be closely observed and tested to determine the extent of
damage.
1
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,;nc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
INTRODUCTION
The Jackson Street Water Tower was built in 1920 by the Minneapolis Steel &Machinery
Company as part of a water works project that developed a fire protection program for the
City of Elk River. The Water Tower consists of a 100,000 gallon tank on a four leg, lattice-girder
trestle tower and stands approximately 129 feet tall. The Tower is currently coated with paint
that is assumed to be lead-based, and displays a non-historic City of Elk River logo,which
differs from the original silver tank and red conical roof. The structure was added to the
National Register of Historic Places on May 23, 2012. AMW "W
The City of Elk River and the Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission have plans to restore
this structure. The intent of this Condition Assessment is to provide an understanding of the
required restoration work, along with the associated costs.
SCOPE OF REPORT
Review of Documents
Available documents regarding the Jackson
Street Water Tower were limited, but the
National Register of Historic Places
Registration Form was reviewed to gain an
understanding of the structure's construction
and history. This paperwork informed us that, ELN
RIVED
besides cleaning and painting of the Water
Tower, no alterations had been made to the
structure since its construction.
Discussions with City of Elk River Personnel _
The Jackson Street Water Tower is an iconic
landmark, and provides an important piece f _
of the identity and heritage of the City of Elk
River. The historic paint colors were silver for
the main structure and tank, and red for the
sloped roof. Simple black lettering spelled --
out "Elk River' on the side of the tank.
The water tank structure was constructed in
1920 by the Minneapolis Steel and Machinery --•
Company. The tank was constructed initially
as a response to the many fires that occurred _
in the downtown area. These fires were
difficult to fight since the railroad line created
a barrier between the downtown and the
river. After the construction of newer water
tanks in other locations, the Jackson Street
Water Tower was de-commissioned in 1960.
2
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,snc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
Observations
Initial, ground-level observations were made on January 30, 2015. A more thorough site visit
was made on March 12, 2015 to further document the structure from both the ground and
the top of the Tower.
The following rating system was used in assessing the condition of the structure components:
• Good: The component is new,with no apparent defects.
• Average: The component is able to perform its originally intended function in
its current condition. Any defects are minor and do not affect the
performance of the component.
• Poor: The component is unable to perform its originally intended function
in its current condition. The component has major defects, but is
repairable.
• Unacceptable: The component is unable to perform its originally intended function
in its current condition, and cannot be economically repaired.
Replacement of the component is required.
Visual observations of the building are recorded below.
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
1. Each of the Water
Tower's legs consists
of two parallel steel114
channels,which are R;
bracketed on the
outside with a flat
steel plate,and on
the inside with small
latticed bars.
3
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,snc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
2. The Water Tower
was constructed in r
1920. Ir
-
b, � �►
14
4> (��f
3. The Water Tower
has four concrete
footings with -*•
varying amounts of
exposure due f6,
surrounding
landscape. All
footings appear to
be in avera
g
condition,with no
significant
deficiencies noted. ...
4
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
4. The legs are
connected onto a P
steel base plate at
:-
each footing with t
steel angles,all of
which appear to be f'
in average
,
condition.
vy, F
1
r `
s,
e
5. The steel base plate `
at the bottom of
each leg is bolted
into the concrete
footings. These
bolts show no
significant ;
deterioration,and
are in averag
condition.
4 . 1
S
5
`COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
6. The inside of the
base of each leg
has been filled with1 1
concrete. J.
� s
7. The sloped surface +
of the concrete
allows water to
drain from the base +r
of the legs, but
water that flows to
sides of the legs has
begun to rust and -
deteriorate the `
steel.
s
`COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
8. Water flows out of
the legs along the
steel at the edge of
the concrete,which
has caused the
steel to corrode.
Loss of cross-
sectional area of 1• '
the steel is
occurring on the
steel channels due
J
to corrosion.
f �
9. Loss of cross-
sectional area of
the steel is
occurring on the
steel channels Abe
to corrosion.
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
10. Steel tie rods are
connected to the '
base of each leg. .
Steel legs and tie _
rods are covered V
with a significant +
amount of rust and
chipped paint x4
u
I A _
I]. Rust and chipped
paint are prevalent
on all steel tie rods 1
and legs.
r
S
rr
4 -
a
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
12. Diagonal tie rods
are in overall
average condition
and are performing
well, but are
showing a
significant amount
of chipped paint
and rust.
13. Diagonal tie rods
are in overall
average condition
and are perfor
well, but are
showing a
significant amount
of chipped paint
and rust.
N6,
9
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
14. Tie rods are
connected with
steel turnbuckles.
Like the tie rods,
these turnbuckles
are covered with
rust and chipping
paint, but their
performance is
unaffected.
15. A ladder extends
up the northwest
leg of the Water
Tower. Surface rust
and peeling paint
are visible in some
areas, but no
functional concerns
regarding the
ladder were -
observed. - =
10
f COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
16. Lichen (organic
7 ftrc' t
growth) is growing ` :#ry• .- '' ,>,'
sr
on the legs in some « w �*V
areas. +; �. .. fir. • :*
tom` .F �.Y+,y a•� ` • '� ��
17. The lattice girder
legs appear to be in
average condition,
with no structural
deficiencies
observed. Lattice 7
surfaces generally
seem to be in better
condition than the
flat sides of the legs,
with considerably
less chipped paint,
rust,and lichen.
k
11
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
18. The paint on the flat
sides of the legs is
weathered; lichen
and corrosion was
observed in some
areas.
4
19. Each of the Water
Tower's legs is
essentially made up
of three sections, - "-
with the longest at
the bottom and the j
shortest at the top. `\
The leg sections are = =
connected with -
steel splice plates
on all four sides,
with some plates
inside the legs and
some outside. Note
the two exterior
plates indicated in
the photo.
12
`COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
20. The presence of
r
bolts and rivets I r '� {
within the leg �'14t, `
channels indicates ` 46
that there is a steel
plate inside the leg,
the condition of
which could not be
ascertained from
ground level. The
steel bracket J �"
connecting the
horizontal girder is ✓ o
eu
rusting and the f
bottom of the
exterior plate is
expanding outward
slightly. 7�
21. A steel plate is
attached to the
legs just above the
connection to the
horizontal girders.
Each of these plates w
(eight total) appear
to be in average
condition.
t,
w
13
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
22. The plates on the
outside of the Water
Tower are in
average to poor
condition,with
some showing
significant rust and
expansion.
e
l
i
i
•
23. Close up of one of
the outside steel
plates. It appears
as though water
has corroded th
backside of the
plate,causing the
steel to expand and
bow outward, a
condition known as
rust jacking. '
14 COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
24. Another instance of s
rust jacking. While a
this plate is in better A
condition than • : it
others,it can be
expected to
continue to j
degrade.
a
4h
4b A
a a
* a �
r a
r
a
� a
� a
a 41k
25. A horn sits on a �
platform perched
atop two two horizontal
steel girders,
requiring an
electrical conduit
running up the
northwest leg from '
the ground. The
horn and platform
contain surface rust
and weathered
paint, but no major +
deficiencies. It is
unknown if the horn
is functional.
15
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
26. Horizontal girders
.a
are connected to
the legs with steel
angles and rivets.
There are eight total
girders,connected
just below the
seams between leg
sections. All girders
appear to be in
average condition,
With just some rust,
weathered paint,
and lichen noted
on their surfaces.
27. Lichen is growing on
horizontal girders.
a
16 COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
28. Rust and chipped
paint is evident on
the surface of
horizontal girders.
29. At the epicenter of
the four Tower legs
is vertical steel tube
that encloses an
eight inch stand
pipe connecting
the tank to the
water system. Eight
tie rods connect the
center tube to the
Tower's legs.
17
`COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
30. An access hatch
leads underground
underneath the
Water Tower.
J
i
fes.
y.
31. A small hatch allows
access to the
enclosed stand
pipe.
a�
18
`COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
32. Some minor rusting
and weathered
paint were
observed on the
vertical tube.
33. The vertical tube is
bolted into a
concrete pad. The
surfaces of the bolts 1
are covered with ''_'_�'►�
rust and dirt, but are -
performing well. _
�y 4!
19 COP
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
34. The standpipe
enclosure extends
from the ground to
the underside of the
tank. '
35. The underside of the
tank is in averageWk
>>
condition,with 0i
some rusting an
weathered pai
1R
n �=
20
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
36. The walkway
platform
surrounding the
tank is in average , r '
condition,with y�
weathered paint. 7
14
�v
n y1
1
''fir TT����. ^J� k �• . ., .
37. Sections of the steel
plate walkway are
riveted to steel
splice plates
beneath the
platf
l�r'7nr. � T •. _...
lot -t�• `� ,.
21
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inr.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
38. Steel plates and
rivets beneath the
walkway platform
connect the
sections of steel
walkway plates.
The walkway has a
latticed steel
guardrail,which -
like the platform-is
weathered but in �
average condition. s
39. The latticed
handrail around the
tank is in average
condition overall,
but features many"
areas of chipped
paint and rust. i Iu- ¢-
a ,
Ilk
22
`COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
40. The latticed
handrail around the
tank is in average
condition overall, . . +
but features many
areas of chipped
paint and rust.
t
Al
41. The four legs exte
inside the walk
platform and are
connected with
steel angles and
rivets to the vertical
surface of the tank.
23
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
42. View looking down f
the inside of one of i
the Water Tower's
legs. r
t
i
43. The side of the tank
is in average
condition.
3
i
24 COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
44. The side of the tank 1
is in average
condition.
45. A second ladder
rises along the side
of the tank. Like the
ladder along the
northwest leg,this
ladder features
surface rust and
chipped paint, but
is performing well
and has a good
connection to the
Water Tower.
25
`COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
46. A third ladder
allows access to the
conical roof of the
tank and the cap
on the very top of
the Water Tower.
This ladder can dis-
connect from the
second ladder, and
pivot around the 'C
cap at the top to
provide access -
around the entire
circumference of
the roof.
I "a
47. Some minor rusting
and water staining
was observed at
seams and the
edge of the tank on
the underside of the
roof eave.
zs
`COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
48. The conical roof is
rusting at panel
seams.
701
\\ \
\
.W
`I
49. The conical roof is
rusting at panel
seams.
27
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,inc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
OBSERVATIONS REFERENCE PHOTO
50. The cap atop the -
roof appears to be µ
in average
condition. y i
I -Ago
Mop-
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Introduction
This condition assessment focuses on two main points concerning the Jackson Street Water
Tower: the overall structural condition of the Tower, and the requirements to preserve the
Tower to maintain its integrity and value. Part of the preservation plan is to restore the water
tower to its original appearance,which will require extensive work to clean and remove old
paint, rust, and growing lichen. A few rusting areas, such as at connecting splice plates on
the outside of the legs and deteriorating areas within leg bases also present a concern from a
structural standpoint.
General Discussion
From a structural standpoint, all components of the Water Tower appear to be performing
well. Besides some more superficial issues, such as the presence of chipped paint, rust, and
lichen, all steel components are in average condition, especially for their age. The legs are
securely bolted to the concrete footings. There are no noticeable problems with any of the
tie rods, horizontal girders, or lattice work on the legs.
The Water Tower's legs consist of two steel channels sitting parallel to each other and riveted
to a long, flat steel plate on the edges on the outside perimeter of the Tower and small
28
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,snc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
latticed bars on the inside edges. Put together, these pieces form a square leg that rises to
the tank in three sections. Each section is connected with four steel splice plates, two of
which are bolted and riveted inside the legs, and two that are bolted on the legs' exterior
surfaces.
Two issues were observed, both located on the legs, which will need further maintenance
beyond the obvious painting. First, the base of each leg is filled with concrete that promotes
the drainage of water out of the leg assembly. It appears that water naturally flows to the
sides of this concrete and along the edge of the inside of the legs,which has resulted in some
deterioration and loss of cross sectional area of the steel. The thickness of the steel channels
is important, as this is what transfers the load of the water tower to the foundation. At this
time, the condition of the steel is behind the concrete is unknown. It would be important to
investigate the condition of the steel behind the concrete further during the painting project
by removing a portion of the concrete infill and inspecting the steel. If the corrosion is worse
than what is observed presently, some remedial action may need to be done to strengthen
the base, such as the addition of steel plates to replace the loss of cross sectional area due
to corrosion.
If it is determined that additional steel needs to be added, a sample of the steel should be
taken and tested to determine its physical properties. Steel produced during the time of the
construction of this water tower did not have the same physical properties of modern day
steel, and may not be able to be welded. This testing information will inform the design of the
connection of any additional steel members, if needed.
The second potential concern involves the steel splice plates connecting the leg sections.
Some of the plates are bowing as result of rust jacking,which occurs when the backside of
the metal rusts and expands, causing the front of the panel to move outward. This appears
to be happening exclusively on the eight plates on the outside perimeter of the Tower,which
is not surprising since the slope of these surfaces allows water to travel down the legs and flow
behind the connection plates. Since these plates hold the legs together, they are integral to
the structural integrity of the Tower. If the plates continue to corrode, the connection
between each section will weaken and the structural capacity of the legs will diminish.
Paint is chipping on the Water Towers legs, tie rods, and horizontal girders; the surface of
much of the exposed steel is covered in rust. A significant amount of lichen is also growing on
some of these surfaces.
The condition of the underside of the tank and its surrounding walkway platform was
observed to be similar to that of the legs, tie rods, and girders, with a significant amount of
weathered paint and rust. The sides of the tank appeared to be in good condition relative to
the rest of the Tower, but the roof and cap are weathered with rust stains present from seams
in the roof panels.
Considering that the Water Tower structure is no longer supporting the weight of water in a full
tank, maintenance and periodic observation will be all that is required, and no major
structural modifications will be necessary. Some minor modifications may be necessary as
identified above.
2s CC
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,;nc.
City of Elk River
Jackson Street Water Tower Condition Assessment July 1,2015
CDG Project#15010.00
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is the City of Elk River's intent to restore the Water Tower to its original appearance, which
consisted of mostly silver painted steel except for black lettering and a red roof. In order to
do so, chipped paint, lichen, and rust will need to be removed to provide for the adhesion of
the new paint. Because the paint is likely to contain lead, all removed paint will need to be
captured by qualified workers and properly disposed of. It will not be necessary to strip all of
the paint off of the water tower down to bare steel. Any lead based paint that is adhered
well can be encapsulated with the new paint. Proper cleaning and preparation of all
surfaces will need to be performed prior to cleaning.
All of the Towers surfaces should be painted, including areas that may not be easily visible
from the ground, such as any exposed areas of steel angles, the inside of legs, and the
walkway platform. A new coat of paint will not only return it to its original appearance, but it
will also protect the steel from further rusting and deterioration.
The two potential structural issues should be further investigated with a more in depth study of
the areas in question. We recommend that a portion of concrete from one of the leg bases
be removed to get a better understanding of the condition of the steel. Areas of rust and
deterioration are present on the exposed steel just above the concrete, and the possibility
exists that water has been able to seep between the metal and concrete and cause unseen
damage to the steel. The bowing steel splice panels should also be tested to determine the
extent of damage.
PRIORITIES AND ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COSTS
Description Estimated Cost
Additional Testing $ 4,000
Steel repair (if required) $ 5,000
Painting $60,000
Sub Total $69,000
Contingency, 150 $10,350
Design Fees, 8% 5,525
Total $84,875
30 CC
COLLABORATIVE DesignGroup,;nc.