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Forensic inspection finds widespread defects at partial Fire Station No. 4; experts recommend demolition
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Summary
Applied Building Sciences told council that extensive, compounding construction defects — missing grout/reinforcement in CMU walls, unverified welds/bolts, improper drainage and fungal growth — make repairs technically or economically unfeasible and recommended full demolition and reconstruction; council received the report and asked staff for cost/time options.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A third‑party forensic evaluation presented to Fayetteville City Council on Feb. 9 concluded that a partially constructed Fire Station No. 4 contains widespread construction defects that cannot be safely and economically repaired, and recommended full demolition and reconstruction.
Steve Moore of Applied Building Sciences (ABS) summarized an inspection and documentation review that identified multiple structural and systems failures. ABS found missing reinforcement and grout in concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls, improperly installed or uninspected bolted and welded connections in the pre‑engineered metal building (PEMB), missing special inspections required by the North Carolina building code, drainage piping inconsistent with contract specifications and evidence of fungal growth within the building envelope. "Given the widespread nature [of the] defects... it is ABS' opinion that repairs are neither economically practical nor technically feasible," Moore said.
Council response: Councilmembers pressed ABS and staff for clarity about next steps and legal options. The city attorney confirmed the issues include code noncompliance and that many of the missing special inspections are required by state code. Council unanimously received the ABS report and directed staff to return with time, cost and demolition/rehabilitation options.
Why it matters: The structure is a public safety facility; ABS underscored that buildings housing first responders are designed to higher standards to remain operational through extreme events and that the identified deficiencies pose life‑safety and durability concerns.
What happens next: Council asked staff to provide a timeline and cost estimates for demolition versus other remediation options and to coordinate legal and procurement follow‑up. ABS said portions of the structure (foundation, substructure, superstructure and systems) should be demolished to allow new construction; the firm described having never previously recommended full demolition of a partially built structure in 17 years of comparable work, highlighting the severity of the findings.
