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Signal Hill project: borough reports 40% interior demolition, building official flags structural limits
Summary
Borough facilities staff reported on April 24 that interior hazardous-materials removal at the Signal Hill Mental Health Building is about 40% complete and that asbestos abatement is scheduled next; the city building official said the structure likely cannot be repurposed beyond residential use without structural engineering work.
Borough staff updated the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on April 24 about the Signal Hill Mental Health Building abatement and demolition project, reporting progress on hazardous materials removal and raising structural and mold concerns for any future reuse.
Project status and hazards
Project manager Cody (facilities project manager) told the assembly the crew had completed roughly 40% of interior demolition and had containerized the first PCB waste container; asbestos abatement was scheduled to begin the following week. He said the contractor filled the first hazardous-waste container “this afternoon.”
City of Kodiak Building Official Ted Hansen conducted a walk-through on April 16 at staff’s request. Hansen provided a verbal assessment that the building "cannot be repurposed for anything other than residential use" without structural-engineer evaluation and raised concerns about interior modifications that have compromised structural components. Staff said Hansen recommended any potential remodel must comply with the current International Building Code and be assessed by a structural engineer.
Mold, abatement scope and documentation
Facilities staff and the contractor reported extensive mold growth on exposed structural framework in parts of the buildings; mold abatement was not in the current removal scope. Staff noted the potential for mold to expand into other interior wall areas during demolition. Assemblymembers asked whether gaseous or ozone-based treatments could be used; staff said mold-treatment options (ozone, chemical application or encapsulation) depend on the mold species and that the contractor’s observations suggest significant remedial work.
Request for written findings and public access
Several assemblymembers asked for a written report from the building official; Assemblymember Ryan said he preferred a formal written assessment to serve as the project’s business case. The building official indicated he would be willing to appear at a future meeting and to provide a written summary if necessary. Staff offered to arrange follow-up site walks after abatement and clearance testing are complete.
Next steps
Staff said the contractor will finish the interior hazardous-materials work, begin asbestos abatement the following week and then provide clearance testing. Staff will seek a written summary from the building official and consider inviting Hansen to present his findings to the assembly at a future meeting. Any decision about reuse, renovation or demolition will require structural engineering analysis and compliance with current building codes.
