In Hull, a study was conducted into the condition of the concrete tower at Fort Revere, and engineers from CBI Consulting presented their findings to the Selectmen.
Engineer Wayne Lawson said the tower needs structural repairs, accessibility improvements, and a new egress stair.
“The interior, exterior repairs, structural repairs, waterproofing, and that accessibility component, we’re looking at a number of about $1.5 million. If we want to put in the elevator, we’ve added approximately $350,000 to that total,” said Lawson. “If we’re just looking at doing interior and exterior repairs, and waterproofing – it’s around $1.3 million.”
The more than 100-year-old tower has been closed to the public. While the structure is not leaning, CBI found some asbestos that would need to be abated. Portions of the concrete throughout are cracked.
The observation platform would also need repair.
“There are some exposed reinforcements, falls. There are two beams that support the platform, and you can see that reinforcement has failed. You can see the hanging of concrete there,” said Lawson. “The reinforcement has failed in two locations.”
Principal Michael Teller says an elevator would have to be an exterior element due to the layout of the interior stairs.
“The egress is also an issue. The existing stair that wraps around is only 22 inches wide,” said Teller. “That’s considered a service stair, that’s not open to the public. It does not meet the code for egress or anyone but service personnel trying to get up to the tower.”
The Selectmen and Historical Commission are planning a joint meeting to consider the next steps and potential funding sources for the project.
