As of January 17, building permits had not been issued by the city. Demolition and asbestos abatement can proceed without permits, so the first step began last week with asbestos abatement of some flooring and drywall.
Demolition is expected to begin as early as January 22. Specific parts of floors, walls, and ceilings will be removed to install brackets, metal strapping and plywood panels. New concrete footings will be installed in one part of the foundation. Structural improvements for earthquake safety will proceed once permits have been issued. In addition, a fire safety water line will be installed, to supply a ceiling mounted sprinkler system, which will eventually be extended throughout our facilities. We will also have the two gas furnaces in that wing replaced with heat pumps. The gas water heater, which began leaking in early January, will be replaced as well. The project is expected to take 27 weeks followed by painting and moving furniture and other supplies back into the building by UUFC volunteers.