Downtown Building Forensic Structural Investigation

JPR was hired to perform a Forensic Structural Investigation of the Tasty Nut Shop in downtown White Pigeon to determine the structural condition of the building. Due to the concern for public safety because of bricks falling onto the adjacent public sidewalk, legal approval through the Village was obtained for the investigation and use of drone technology. Based on the findings, JPR would also make recommendations on possible action.

Originally constructed in 1856, prior to the American Civil War, the building was privately owned by the Tasty Nut Shop at the time of the investigation. Accompanied by Village officials and a representative of the building owner, JPR inspected the interior and exterior areas that were safely accessible by foot. This included all interior floors and the basement. JPR performed non-destructive testing using a rock hammer for sounding and chipping; a 4-foot carpenter’s level for checking level, plumb, and straightness; and a flashlight.

During the investigation, JPR took a multitude of photographs to document the observed structural issues and provide a frequency of occurrence. Additionally, the Village provided JPR with drone images taken in tandem with the investigation. This was especially important due to a previous fire that took place at the roof and upper areas of the building. Drone images showed that the roof resurfacing done after the fire was superficial, covering areas not repaired or replaced. The team was also able to view areas of severe settlement to the structure below the roof as well as interior stormwater damage that had occurred. The White Pigeon Fire Department also assisted with the use of a lift truck, allowing for closer observation of high-elevation areas of concern.

While the façade that abuts the US 12 right-of-way had received maintenance to the brickwork, windows, and other exterior features, the other three faces of the building had been neglected. Severe deterioration was visible, with the most advanced deterioration at the southwest corner. Due to its high elevation, this was seen to pose a safety risk due to bricks falling onto the adjacent sidewalk. Evidence was seen of past attempts to patch and brace the southwest corner; however this was done without the significant improvements needed to combat long-term loss of structural stability. During the investigation, foundation settlement was found at all four corners of the building due to an obsolete method of foundation wall construction, causing skewed doors and windows. Additionally, three of the four walls showed advanced wall cracking, spalled bricks, and weak or missing mortar.

The investigation found the building to be both a safety hazard to the public and unrepairable due to poor structural condition and differential settlement of the stone foundation walls. The Report recommended that the building be vacated with utilities shut off and demolished as soon as possible. It also recommended that adjacent sidewalks and surrounding areas be closed, and neighboring property owners be warned of the potential for collapse of the building.

Since the release of the Report, the Tasty Nut Shop has vacated the building and a private entity attempted to legally halt any attempt by the Village to demolish it. The idea was to rehabilitate the building for future use; however, the private entity eventually abandoned all attempts to halt demolition or rehabilitate the building.

JPR recommended that a tribute kiosk for preserving the memory of the building be constructed at the site using bricks and other elements salvaged from demolition, as well as photographs and anecdotes of the site’s history.