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Physical Condition of Peabody Early Childhood Development Center

PHYSICAL CONDITION OF PEABODY EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

2.0 NARRATIVE

2.1 Site

This site is satisfactory for its present utilization except that additional parking is needed and the site does not comply with recent ADA requirements for parking and access to the facility.

2.2 Roof

The roofs which consist of slate shingle section, and a metal roofing section all seem to be in fair condition. There are evidence of roof leaks on the ceiling below. Because access to this roof is extremely difficult, a proper roof inspection, using a crane, should be carried out.

2.3 Exterior Walls

The exterior brick walls need major repairs throughout because of crumbling and deteriorating mortar joints. Some staining also exist on the stone copings at the roof level.

2.4 Doors

A door replacement project is in progress at this facility. All exterior doors except two (2) have been changed but there is air infiltration through the new doors; door seals are needed at these doors. Interior doors are a combination of metal and wood with a small percentage not meeting ADA requirements. Doors have not been replace at interior Main Office, and Classroom Storage closets which are wood doors.

2.5 Windows

The windows at this school seem to be the original wood windows. There is a tremendous amount of air infiltration, and lots of patching to keep these windows in place. There is an urgent need for a window replacement project at this facility in order to avoid any disastrous situations.

2.6 Structural

This facility seems to be structurally sound. No work is currently required.

2.7 Flooring

The finish flooring in the halls and stairs consists of a combination of vinyl tiles, and painted concrete. These areas need minor repairs. The assembly area is currently being used as the "Before and After Care Room" has carpet finish. The corridors floors are in poor conditions and need replacement.

2.8 Plastering

The plaster ceiling, in a few Classrooms on the third floor, is in fair conditions. All other ceiling areas are in good condition. The plaster walls are generally in good condition. The walls of the Before and After Care Room are in fair condition.

2.9 Acoustical Ceiling

The only acoustical tile ceiling occurs in the Before and After Care Room and it is in good condition.

2.10 Program Requirements

In general, program requirements seem to be adequate for this facility.

2.11 Plumbing

The copper/galvanized water pipes, and the case iron drainage pipes in the original building erected in 1880 are in fair condition. The plumbing fixtures are adequate in number for the current student population and are functional. There are no water closet compartments for the handicapped in the building. Domestic hot water is generated by a designated domestic hot water heater which is gas fired. The building is 100% sprinkled.

2.12 Mechanical

The central heating plant consists of two (2) gas/oil fired steam boilers each rated at 1620 MBH. The boilers were retube and the condensate receiver set is overflowing. The steam and condensate pipes are in fair condition. Some spaces are cooled by window units. The boilers have reached they life expentancy and should be replace with an energy efficient boiler system.

2.13 Electrical

The primary electrical service to the building is 400 AMP, 3 phase, 4 wire. There are two critical problems that are noticeable which include: the location of the service and the omission of a switchboard to feed the secondary distribution. The main service is located in the Cafeteria and proxcimty to a sink, which do not conform to the National Electric Code (NEC). The primary system does not have a switchboard to feed the secondary distribution; it is accomplished by the use of six (6) main disconnects which meets code requirements but is not reliable. The system does not have the capability to handle any additional load. These conditions should be corrected as soon as possible. The feeders have rubber insulation and should be replaced because they are dry and subject to deterioration. In the secondary distribution, the electrical grid, is carried through the school by a panel board located on each floor which is filled to capacity. The school is in need of better distribution of the existing branch circuits to allow more flexibility in the location of new outlets. The lighting footcandle levels meet the requirements of IES standards. However, the light fixtures are not energy efficient. The exit lights are LED type and they have a battery backup. The school does not currently have an emergency generator.

2.14 Fire Alarm

The fire alarm system is non-addressable and it is in good working condition; the distribution of devices comply with NFPA.

2.15 PA/Security

The communication system is outdated, but in good condition. The security system consists of motion sensing devices.

2.16 ADA Compliance

There is no handicapped parking for this building nor are there adequate curb cuts. There is no exterior ramp to the building nor is there a passenger elevator, escalator, or interior ramp in the building. The rest rooms need to be modified and drinking fountains need to be replaced in order to accommodate disabled persons. Signage should be provided throughout the building. All doors with less than a 32" clear opening should be replaced. The mounting height of the fire alarm striking stations should be 48" above the finish floor and flashers should be incorporated in the fire alarm system. A public telephone with a telecommunications device for the hearing impaired should be provided. Overall, this facility is not in compliance with ADA and therefore is unsatisfactory.

2.17 Graffiti

There is no graffiti at this school.

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

The kitchen equipment is in good condition.

2.20 Child Care Facility

There is a Before and After Program, and a Day Care Center, neither has current permits.