Search
 

Cost and Remediation Concerns in a Historic Landmark District

Addressing the restoration of historic windows on a fire-damaged building.

By Steven R. Bruns | Updated on July 11, 2012

The insurance industry has a broad database on costs of repairs and rehabilitation. On the other hand, what about “outlier” claims in which limited data is available or when other mitigating factors need to be addressed in the remediation? How are costs handled when a building is within a National Historic Landmark District?  There are more than 85,000 properties on the National Register of Historic Places, but fewer than 2,500 qualify for Landmark Status. This article focuses on one aspect of restoration – how to adequately address the restoration of historic windows on a public building after a significant fire loss.

In the spring of 2009, a small Midwestern community had just completed cosmetic repairs to its 1856 county courthouse when a devastating fire ravaged the building. The fire was rather unusual in nature in that it originated in the roof and attic, and while almost totally consuming the roof structure, it did very little direct damage to the main work areas and offices of the courthouse. The roof damage was so widespread; however, it prevented traditional methods of post fire protection of the interior.  After reviewing multiple, and expensive (greater than $500,000) options for temporary weather protection, it was decided to let the facility be subjected to the elements and pay the expense to remediate any damage to the interior as part of the overall restoration. This decision ultimately led to higher than expected costs as the ensuing spring was one the wettest in recent memory, which caused damage to timber structural members, and significant mold growth.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.