Knight Memorial Library Existing Conditions Assessment

Executive Summary: "DBVW Architects, Inc. was hired by Providence Community Library in August 2017 to conduct an existing conditions assessment of the Knight Library in Providence, RI. This report consist of observations from on-site surveys performed in October and November 2017. The are the result of limited visual inspections of the existing building and site for architectural attributes only. Recommendations and prioritization for observed deficiencies are included at the end of this report to aid in planning future improvements. Existing, non-measured floor plans are also included in the appendices for reference. The architectural team began by observing the conditions on the exterior of the building. A lift was provided and allowed us to closely observe the condition of the roof and exterior walls on the south and west sides of the building. Due to the grading and curbing, access was not possible on the north and west sides. Although the upper hip roof was recently replaced, the tile roof appears to need remedial work to ensure it remains watertight. The integral copper gutter system has failed and must be removed and replaced. The masonry walls are generally in good condition, except for a section over the staff entry on the west side. Complete repointing and flashing of the cornice, belt course, and water table are also required. The exterior walls will require selective repointing. Exterior windows are in fair condition but require complete restoration and new weather-stripping. The exterior protective panels should be removed, and windows should receive new laminated vandal resistant glazing. The exterior wood doors are in poor condition and should be replaced with new custom wood doors and code compliant hardware. The building is not fully handicapped accessible. Improvements must be made to provide an accessible exterior entry, install a new elevator, and create code compliant public restrooms. Please refer to Appendix D1, attached at the end of this report, for our previous report and recommendations for accessibility. The interior of the building requires wall and ceiling plaster repairs in numerous areas of water intrusion. This work should not be undertaken until the roof and gutter work are complete and the building has been allowed to thoroughly dry out. Interior resilient, carpet, and linoleum finish flooring is in poor condition and should be replaced as part of future interior renovation work. The decorative plaster ceilings in the reading rooms and over the mezzanines exhibits cracking throughout. Additional investigation is required to determine the cause of the cracking and develop a recommended plan of action. Interior doors are only 30-inches wide and have non-handicapped accessible knob-style hardware. Doors and hardware in public areas should be made handicapped accessible. Wall mounted handrails should be installed at all egress stairs. A list of recommendations and order of magnitude budget costs was developed as part of a high-level exercise to assist in decision making for future improvement planning." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (grant number P17AF00032).

Knight Memorial Library Existing Conditions Assessment

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