Graham Community Building structurally sound, city staff say; paneling and water damage to be addressed

City staff presented the Graham Community Building's March structural assessment at the Pryor Creek EDTA meeting on July 14, saying the engineer concluded the building is structurally sound but recommended targeted remediation for water-damaged interior finishes.

"The engineer report came back and said that the structure was sound," a city staff member said while distributing the report to committee members. Staff described visible water damage behind interior paneling on the south wall and said inspectors traced the water intrusion to a deteriorated mortar area near a gutter/downspout that had been obstructed by a tree; cutting the tree away revealed the damaged mortar and the likely source of leakage.

Committee members and staff discussed immediate, limited steps to prevent further deterioration, including removing damaged paneling to reduce mold risk and allow interior surfaces to dry. Staff said a prior informal contractor estimate to remove paneling, assess, and finish walls by installing drywall and painting had been roughly $45,000 to $50,000; staff emphasized that the architect and contractors would provide formal pricing once engaged.

The structural report identified other items such as a kitchen hood that had been mounted without adequate structural supports and a cracked concrete slab that was part of an old vault; the engineer recommended straightforward contractor repairs for those elements. Staff said the building's metal arched trusses showed no structural concerns, and the report noted no widespread mold accessibility during the inspection.

EDTA members discussed phasing and funding, and several members urged a methodical approach: obtain architect and contractor cost estimates, prioritize immediate moisture fixes, and develop a written plan to present to city council. Staff noted an upcoming community event (Santa's Billings on Dec. 6) and said scheduling and phasing should minimize disruptions to community use.

No formal funding decision was taken at the EDTA meeting; staff will invite architects and contractors to evaluate the building, return firm cost estimates and recommended phasing, and then present options and funding proposals to the city council.