Your board and staff are committed to keeping the building in good shape to maintain and enhance the value of our investment. We currently have several projects underway with a number of additional projects scheduled to begin later this year.
The projects currently in process are being funded through our regular operating budget. They include mold abatement, office and break room remodeling, getting rid of junk, and installation of new fire suppression panels. Additionally, we have the budget supplement projects scheduled for this year that include major work on the elevators, terraces and the front of the building. (See below for more detailed information regarding all these projects).
With any 90+ year old building, there will always be many projects to do and some of these will require assessments in future years. We try to balance projects with a concern for individual budgets. Examples of future projects include a new roof, resurfacing the pool and surround, parking lot resurfacing and upkeep, recoat/paint the outside of the building, repair window frames outside the building, upgrade to digital meters to track electricity usage and cost, and numerous smaller projects.
Both Verizon and ATT pay us each year to put antennas on our roof. This helps to mitigate regime and assessment costs. We are currently negotiating an additional antenna lease which will increase our revenue.
We are proud of our building and its premier location in a world-class city. We fully intend to keep it in good shape and maintain its value. Owner ideas and comments are welcome.
Mold abatement
We suspected a mold problem behind the office on the first floor, which was confirmed with an assessment of the building. The mold is caused by water seeping into the basement and not draining because of pockets in the floor where water collects. Mold abatement efforts include pouring a new concrete floor in the basement that slopes to sump pumps and permanent dehumidifiers in the basement. This is being funded through the operating budget.
Office and break room remodeling
New carpeting, ceiling tiles, sheet rock and paint will soon be installed in the office and break room. The office has not been redone in years and desperately needs to be cleaned, refreshed and have the mold removed.
Spring cleaning
Like most homeowners, junk accumulates over the years. Chris rented a large dumpster and along with Joy and Creighton Likes did a much-needed house cleaning in the storage areas, offices, and workshop.
Fire suppression panels
These panels are being replaced (required by the Fire Marshall) because the current ones were old and not working properly. This is being paid through the operating budget.
Fort Sumter House Guide
We remind you that FSH policies are summarized in the “Fort Sumter House Guide.” This is available on our website, https://fortsumterhouse.org/?page_id=1373, and we gave you a paper version several months ago.