Many marriages and careers succumb to the famous “Seven Year Itch,” but buildings take about 40 years until they need a serious change.
Such is the case at Coconut Grove’s glamorous Yacht Harbor Condominium, where GCI Consultants, LLC is helping to restore a historic building to its former glory. “Most building systems were designed to last about 40 years,” says GCI’s structural engineer South Florida, widely admired for its progressive design systems, has formalized that process with a required 40 year engineering re-certification.”
Yacht Harbor is a great example of why this rule is such a great idea, says GCI’s structural engineer. “Beautiful buildings are getting the attention they need because of this requirement.” The job is so comprehensive that GCI has assigned a full time engineer to the project Yacht Harbor is currently being updated to compliant and serviceable condition, while receiving an aesthetic facelift that will serve it well for many years. GCI prepared plans and specifications for the project. This includes concrete remediation of the entire building, waterproofing of the plaza deck above the garage (including pool and planters), balcony guardrail repair and re-installation, painting, waterproofing and sealing doors and windows. Jason Bondurant, is working as the site engineer for GCI. Bondurant is in daily contact with the owner’s representative, DSS Consultants, LLC and KW Property Management & Consulting. Bondurant’s primary task is to manage quality control and handling unforeseen problems in the field as they arise.
GCI’s structural engineer notes the railings on the building’s balconies were of special interest. Originally designed by the prestigious architectural firm Pressler, the ornately detailed decorative concrete was beginning to fail, creating potentially unsafe conditions. GCI’s structural engineer selected a high-end waterproofing agent to cover the new concrete work, which draws the water away completely and eliminates moisture problems. Now, the refurbished railings maintain their historic character, but have modern day water protection that will serve the building well in its next 40 years.
GCI expects the project to be completed in late fall.
