Brand Park Pool could have been “saved & repaired” in 2010, report says

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – As the historic Brand Park Pool nears a still unspecified date with a wrecking crew, 18 News has learned there was still time to save the structure in 2010. A report from an engineering firm concluded “this structure is a good candidate for restoration. However, the work should not be postponed too much longer, (say, a couple of years) or the condition could worsen rapidly.” The report said it was also feasible to use the structure again as a “wading pool.”

The total projected cost for the repairs was estimated to be $1,667,795. In 2015, the City estimated the cost grew to between 3 to 4 million dollars.

Mayor Dan Mandell says the city didn’t realize it needs approval from New York State to demolish the above-ground, egg-shaped pool designed by Wesley Bintz in 1949. That’s because the City of Elmira received a $10,000 “Preserve New York Grant” in 2010 to study the pool’s structural integrity. Mayor Mandell told 18 News the city plans to demolish the pool in March or April. “We’re just waiting for that final approval.”

The grant came from “The Preservation League of New York State” and the “New York State Council on the Arts.” The report was prepared by Johnson-Schmidt & Associates based in Corning, which hired “Novelli Engineering,” based in Ithaca, to conduct a structural integrity analysis.

Bintz, an engineer based in Lansing-Michigan built more than 100 pools across the country. The Wesley Bintz Swimming Pool Network Facebook Group says there are only 17 pools left standing today. The conditions range from restored to ruins.

The 2010 Brand Park Memorial Pool Historic Structure Report

The report begins by saying, “I made a visual inspection of the Brand Park Pool structure in November, with a focus on its structural integrity. This report summarizes my observations and comments.

It is important to be able to compare the present structural condition of the pool with the condition reported in 2001 by Sear-Brown Associates. I have also reviewed previous reports:

August 23, 2011 Structural report by Sear-Brown Associates

July 19, 2000 Preliminary report by Fagan Engineers

January 1995, Report by Sear-Brown Associates

Brick perimeter wall panels

“Some of these have been infilled with other materials such as concrete blocks, corrugated metal and plywood. Others have cracked and bowed. These panels would have to be replaced because many of them are deteriorated. They are generally in worse condition than reported in 2001. An important reason for replacement of all these walls is that their foundations are not ideal. If necessary for historic reasons, these brick wall panels could be saved and repaired. We would have to develop underpinning details and also stabilize the wall panels from inside the building. While costly, this procedure is indeed feasible.”

Perimeter grade beam foundations

These support the perimeter walls. They probably do not provide enough protection against frost heave; this may have contributed to the wall deflections. As mentioned above, the grade beams can be underpinned and strengthened , or if the walls are removed we would replace the grade beams with new foundations extending 4 feet below grade for frost protection.

Perimeter Columns

It is likely that the perimeter columns were originally designed to support the concrete deck, and the condition of these columns has worsened over time. The columns should be replaced along with new reinforced concrete footings.

Settlement cracks

There are cracks of up to 1″ wide in internal walls at pool structure (both sides of main entry lobby, southwesterly end of pool). See photos 23, 24. These cracks are evident in the cast-in-place concrete benches at these locations. It is possible that these cracks resulted from settlement of the main pool foundations.

This is the deep (1ft) end of the pool, with much greater hydrostatic loads, nearly 700 pounds per square foot (psf). This is not an excessive loading for the gravelly soils in this area of Elmira, however relative ti the shallow end of the pool the loading and could result in differential settlement.

It is likely that the sediment has stabilized (this is also typical for gravelly soils – that settlements tend to stabilize rather quickly after the load is applied.)

“Another possible cause for the settling might be water leakage from the pool, which could draw fine soils out of the fill beneath the pool. City staff reported a loss of 5,000 gallons per day when the pool was in operation, and the leakage would tend to flow toward the deep end of the pool, and this is where the settlement is observed.”

“At this point, I would recommend that the cracks be monitored for continued movement. The cracks can be prepared and filled with a flexible sealant such as urethane.”

Concrete condition

“Overall, the concrete decks and pool are in good condition for the age of the structure. The concrete appears to have been high quality material. Much of the above-deck appurtenances (railings, etc) have deteriorated and these would have to be demolished and they could be reconstructed with new concrete if it is desired to maintain the historic appearance.”

“Any areas of deteriorated concrete in the decks and pool can be restored using the correct concrete repair materials such as polymer mortars, polymer concrete sealants and sealers. Cracks are common and are highlighted by efflorescence which is when calcium in the concrete leaches through as water leaks through the cracks. Cracks can be repaired using flexible or semi-rigid sealants.”

“In my opinion, this structure is a good candidate for restoration. However, the work should not be postponed too much longer (say, a couple of years) or the condition could worsen rapidly. Concrete of this age may have a questionable life expectancy, because its life exceeds 50 years and the ultimate life expectancy for portland cement concrete exposed to freezing and weather may range from 80 to 100 years or less.

Load Capacity

This structure was designed to support rather heavy deck loads and the pool itself was designed to support loads of up to 700 psf or so. The possibility of using the structure as a wading pool should be feasible.

The Mayor of Elmira in 2010 was John Tonello. The City Council consisted of: Bob Bailey, Sue Skidmore, Jim Hare, Mark Hitchcock, John Corsi and Carol Melchalke.

In a phone call, Sue Skidmore told 18 News “It wasn’t economically feasible to sustain the pool, even if it was restored. It was just not a realistic return on investment. Attendance had also dropped substantially to the point where 60 to 80 kids were using the pool over the course of the summer season.” A WETM report from 1985 states up to 300 kids could be using the pool on a daily basis.

Former City Council Member and Elmira Mayor Jim Hare echoed Skidmore’s sentiment. “From a practical standpoint, it just didn’t make sense economically and the city didn’t have the money,” Hare said. “At this point, the structure is past its original purpose.”

Jim Hassell, the former democratic Elmira Mayoral candidate, spoke up in favor of preserving the city’s historic structures during the public comment portion of Monday night’s City Council meeting. Mr. Hassell’s remarks were cut off after the allowed 5 minutes.

Below, you can view Mayor Mandell’s response to Mr. Hassell’s remarks.

Brand-Park-Pool-Historic-Structure-ReportDownload

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