Holy Family Hall Repair Update & Survey
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Following snowfall on January 21, 2025, the structural engineer who had previously assessed the condition of the Holy Family Hall (HFH) Heavy Timber Truss system recommended that we reinspect the truss system to see if any changes to the previously documented cracks had taken place.
Parish representatives reexamined the condition of the trusses in comparison to the engineering report of February 12, 2024. During that examination, significant changes to the previously existing cracks were noted and new cracking in the temporary support columns was also found. We contacted the structural engineer who had done the initial inspection / analysis and requested an on-site reassessment. Based on that reassessment, the engineer stated:
- The truss system has notably deteriorated, cracks have deepened and widened.
- There is twisting in timbers and bending in connection plates that was not previously noted.
- Possible differential foundation settling is indicated by drywall separation and tile cracking.
- Splits in the temporary support columns may indicate that they took significant loads when the truss system deflected, and the temporary support columns likely kept the roof from collapsing.
- Permanent repairs are needed, the main part of hall is not safe for occupancy until repairs (either temporary or permanent) are completed.
An insurance claim has been submitted and is pending, and we are now in the process of determining whether we should pursue a temporary repair to reopen the hall as quickly as possible or accept a longer closure and go directly to a permanent repair with the potential for a hall renovation as part of that project.
While the final decision on how to proceed must be made by the Pastor and Diocese of Savannah, with the advice of the Finance Council and Parish Council, Fr. Dawid is actively seeking the input of parishioners and has requested that we view the video below to see a visualization of the permanent repair/renovation options being considered and provide feedback as a parish. Once a decision has been made regarding what repair and renovation option to pursue, we will begin the design phase and solicit bids for the project.
SURVEY RESPONSES ARE LIMITED TO
1 SUBMISSION PER REGISTERED FAMILY
AND WILL CLOSE ON MARCH 17th, 2025The options currently under consideration are:
Option 1: Repair the building support structure and preserve the current floorplan of the hall. This option may or may not include permanent columns; it also could incorporate wood or steel trusses, which would likely remain visible, depending on engineering and cost considerations.
Option 2: Repair the building support structure but change the floorplan of the main hall with permanent walls that enclose an area which can be configured either as a large parish hall, 4 classrooms, or as a combination meeting area and classrooms. Structural trusses would be hidden from view above a dropped ceiling, but visible columns may be necessary.
Option 3: Repair the building support structure but change the floorplan of the main hall, vestibule and front rooms with permanent walls that enclose an area which can be configured either as a large parish hall, or 2 classrooms and a large meeting area. Structural trusses would be hidden from view above a dropped ceiling, but visible columns may be necessary.Please review the video and submit your input for consideration using the form below.
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