Credit: charleston-sc.gov
After learning of the safety report calling for the demolition of the St. Julian Devine Community Center chimneys last week, Mayor John Tecklenburg convened a meeting of project managers and engineers over the weekend to determine if there were any possible alternatives that would protect the structure's historical context by preserving some or all of the chimneys.
Earlier this week, the group reported back on an alternative that would allow for the preservation of at least 60 feet of each of the two 135-foot tall chimneys, while still protecting the safety of the surrounding residents.
Crews will assess the integrity of the structures as they work, and will preserve as much of each chimney as possible.
A structural engineering contract in the amount of $90,000 and a demolition contract in the amount of $486,000 will go before City Council as emergency purchase contracts at their next meeting, which will take place at 5 pm on Tuesday, September 8th, 2020. The city is awaiting a third contract for the added preservation work on the two chimneys.
Should both contracts be approved Tuesday night, work is expected to begin on Monday, September 14th, 2020 and be completed within 60 days.
