119 S. Main Street Structural Investigation

In the heart of downtown Elkhart stood 119 S. Main Street, a three-story brick commercial and residential building with a basement. As concerns about its structural integrity loomed, prompted by visible cracking and notable separation of brick, a forensic structural investigation was initiated.

JPR embarked on a comprehensive examination, utilizing a blend of traditional on-foot inspection techniques and cutting-edge drone imaging technology. Hand tools, including a rock hammer for sounding and chipping and a 4-foot carpenter’s level for checking level, plumb, and straightness were utilized for the non-destructive testing of structural material. Additionally, many photographs were collected.

The building, constructed in 1888, bore witness to decades of neglect and wear. The ground floor, once bustling with office activity, now housed signs of deterioration, while the second and third floors – formerly apartments – had not been occupied or maintained since the 1950’s. The basement, serving as a repository for utilities and storage, also revealed structural weaknesses with mortar and sand eroding away from the stone.

Stripped of a layer of bricks during the removal of an adjacent building, the north wall stood vulnerable to the elements. Its exposed bricks weathered and spalled, bearing witness to years of freeze/thaw cycles. Inside, daylight seeped through cracks, with sections of the wall leaning dangerously out of plumb.

Drone imaging proved instrumental in surveying the roof and high-elevation walls, uncovering signs of past structural movement and separation. The roof, patched with waterproofing materials in the 1980’s, now revealed evidence of unchecked moisture infiltration into the upper floors – causing significant deterioration.

As the investigation neared its conclusion, a grim reality emerged: 119 S. Main Street was deemed structurally unsound, a ticking time bomb threatening life and property. Despite efforts to explore renovation possibilities, expert opinion resoundingly echoed the need for demolition, underscoring the severity of the structural issues plaguing the building. With no feasible method of rehabilitation in sight, the only option left was demolition – a decision not taken lightly.

In the end, the demolition of 119 S. Main Street not only eliminated a significant public safety hazard but also served as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and preservation efforts in safeguarding our architectural heritage.