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Physical Condition of Hearst Elementary School

PHYSICAL CONDITION OF HEARST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2.0 NARRATIVE

2.1 Site The site is relatively flat with a steep embankment on the east and west sides. There are no drainage problems. Additional off street parking is needed for visitors and the site needs to be upgraded to suit handicapped requirements. There is a chain link fence on the north and west side surrounding the play area but it does not totally enclose it. There is a need for additional fencing to totally secure the site as well as the play area to prevent unneeded access. Site lighting is mounted on the building on the south side illuminating the play area; the lighting mounted the north side (Parking area) is not operational. The asphalt is in relatively fair condition with the exception of a small area on the playground, north side, that need minor repairs. The school has playground equipment and it uses the basketball goals which are the property of District of Columbia Recreation Department.

2.2 Roof The roof is a steeply pitched slate roof with gutters and downspouts. The roof is in fair condition. The gutters and wood fascia need to be replaced; the gutters on one side of the building are about to fall. The deterioration of the gutters is causing water damage to plaster in a few classrooms. A roof survey will have to be performed on the substrate under the slate to determine whether there is any damage. Because of the guttters and fascia, the overall condition of the roof is unsatisfactory.

2.3 Exterior Walls The exterior wall surfaces are the original brick which is in good condition and require no repairs at this time. Portions of the wood fascia beneath the gutters need to be replaced because of cracking; the reminding needs to be scrapped and painted.

2.4 Doors The majority of the doors are the original wood double acting doors and function as originally installed. The exterior entry doors are wood and in need of immediate repair; there is no weatherstripping which causes a slot of air infiltration. A few of the original interior doors have been replaced with metal doors. Door frames and hardware do not comply with current program requirements and do not meet the ADA requirements. The overall condition is unsatisfactory.

2.5 Windows The original windows are painted wood glazed double pivoted. Window guards exist on the first floor windows and are in good condition. The windows are in need of replacement; many of the sashes are falling out and the frames are no longer properly secured. A few panes of glass are broken. The overall condition is unsatisfactory.

2.6 Structural There appears to be no structural problems at this school.

2.7 Flooring The hallway flooring is the original terrazzo which is in good condition. The stairwells are vinyl asphalt tile and are in fair condition; minor repairs are needed for stair tread cracks. The Classroom floors are wood covered with carpet, VCT or VAT. The vinyl asbestos tile is located at the entry of some Classrooms; it is cracked but there is no chipping. The carpeting is in good condition.

2.8 Plastering The plastering on the walls and ceilings is in fair condition overall. There are a few areas in classrooms that need to be repaired due to water damage. The paint finish in the corridor is cracked in some areas but not peeling. There are a few minor plaster cracks in the corridor in need of repair.

2.9 Acoustical Ceiling There is 12x12 acoustical tile in one classroom which is in good condition.

2.10 Program Requirements The facility does not have the space to adequately accommodate many of the programs. A Classroom is used to accommodate Physical Education, Dance, Library, Drama, and Assembly. There is no Cafeteria or Food Preparation area. The meals are delivered and stored in the refrigerator in the lobby then served in the Classroom. Adequate water facilities do not exist to accommodate the handling of food. The schools student population consist of Pre-kindergarten to the third grade. The Recreation Department use this building about once a month.

2.11 Plumbing The plumbing system is comprised of galvanized supply pipes and cast iron drainage. There are duplex sump pumps for ground water located in the basement which were replaced in 1992. The general condition of the plumbing system is far. Domestic hot water is supplied from a gas fired water heater located in the boiler room. Toilet room fixtures and fittings are in fair condition. Fixture counts, except for lavatories, are adequate for the design population. Boy's facilities include two (2) toilet rooms with typically four (4) water closets, four (4) urinals and two (2) lavatories each. Girl's facilities include two (2) toilet room with typically five (5) water closets and two (2) lavatories each. There are four (4) drinking fountains located in the corridors.

2.12 Mechanical The heating system is provided by one (1) gas fired boiler. The distribution system is a low pressure steam with room radiators and integral radiator controls located throughout the building. There is one (1) heating hot water circulating pump that is not working and the building has no emergency generator. The boiler condensate return system was replaced in 1992. The ventilation system is provided by gravity Ventilators. This system was reliable in 1932 when the building was constructed but is not capable of providing the code required ventilation. The steam piping, especially the condensate piping, should be replaced due to its age. The school does not have a central air conditioning system. Some rooms, however, are cooled by window units.

2.13 Electrical The electrical system is in poor condition and should be replaced to eliminate safety hazards. The main distribution system is in poor condition and there is a possibility that the system could short circuit; therefore it should be redistributed as soon as possible. The electrical capacity is at its limit and it can not handle any additional load. The feeders are also in poor condition. The school does not have any emergency generator and the exit lights are the original incandescent type and should be upgraded to meet new energy requirements. The original light fixtures are in poor condition and the light levels are below standard.

2.14 Fire Alarm The fire alarm system should be replaced because it does not comply with the current code. The school does not have any heat or smoke detectors.

2.15 PA/Security The Public Address System is in good condition. The school does not have a Security System.

2.16 ADA Compliance There are no accessible entrances to the building. Curb cuts exist on Tilden Street and 37 Street. There are no handicapped parking spaces identified. A ramp is required to provide access to the front of the building leading to the main entrance. The exterior doors in the main entrance should be replaced with new accessible doors. The Boy's and Girl's toilet room in the Teacher's Lounge and one (1) drinking fountain on the first floor level should be replaced to provide handicapped accessibility. There is no elevator in the building. Signage should be provided throughout the building. The mounting height of the fire alarm striking stations should be lowered to 48", above the finished floor, and strobe light should be incorporated in the fire alarm system. A public telephone with a telecommunication device for the hearing impaired has been installed.

2.17 Graffiti There no graffiti on this building.

2.18 Adverse Environmental Condition

(a) Asbestos Material Further technical analysis is needed to determine the presence of asbestos and its friability.

(b) Lead Paint Removal Further technical analysis is needed to determine the presence of lead based paint.

2.19 Kitchen Equipment There is no kitchen in this school. Food is heated in a food warmer in the lobby.

2.20 Child Care Facility The school does have a Before and After Care Program.