Laserfiche WebLink
RAMSEY TOWN HALL, Ramsey, Minnesota <br />6. Basement <br />The basement is one level below ground. <br />However, the first -floor joists are a few feet <br />above grade. The stairs to the basement are <br />positioned near the middle of the structure, <br />between the entry hall and main room. The <br />stairs lead down to a small landing. A shallow <br />crawl space is under the remaining <br />rectangular footprint of the building. <br />Stairs <br />The staircase down to the basement is made <br />of sawn timber, which is painted yellow. There <br />are two stringers underneath the walking <br />treads. These members are attached with <br />nails. The stair does not appear to be from the <br />original construction. <br />Recommendations <br />The stairs should be investigated by an <br />engineer. When on the stairs, they feel less <br />than stable. If recommended, follow <br />replacement or stabilization guidelines made <br />by the engineer. <br />The stairs are not historically significant. <br />However, the wood construction retains the <br />character of the building as recommended in <br />Standard 2. If replacement is necessary, a <br />dissimilar assembly should be avoided if <br />possible. <br />Masonry Wall <br />At the base of the stairs, a masonry wall <br />surrounds the landing. A portion of the wall <br />is rounded and is composed of clay masonry. <br />The other portion is composed of concrete <br />masonry. They are connected with a thick <br />grouted joint. <br />The clay masonry appears to be part of <br />original construction; however, it may have <br />served a different purpose. The wall appears <br />to be stable, and a majority of the masonry <br />units are in excellent condition. <br />The concrete masonry, which is painted <br />cream, was installed after initial construction. <br />There are a number of vertical cracks in the <br />wall, but the units appear fairly intact. <br />Recommendations <br />The clay masonry portion of the wall is in good <br />condition. The units should be examined with <br />better lighting conditions; however, no major <br />issues were initially discovered that require <br />remediation. <br />The concrete masonry wall should be <br />examined. Cracks in below -grade structures <br />can cause complications with soil pressures <br />and ground water flow. Sealing and stabilizing <br />the cracks may be the best option. <br />Figure 40 — Clay Masonry Wall <br />Ramsey Town Hall 16 <br />