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Mauldin staff estimate about $45,000 to repair cultural-center cabin after freeze, accidental flooding
Summary
City staff told the Economic Planning and Development Committee that a frozen sink line and an accidental valve reopening flooded a small rental cabin at the cultural center, causing drywall, flooring and electrical damage; initial repairs are estimated at roughly $45,000 and work can begin only after the tenant removes equipment.
City staff reported that a frozen water line and a subsequent accidental reopening of a supply valve caused significant water damage to a small cabin on the cultural-center grounds, and initial repairs are expected to cost about $45,000.
The update to the Economic Planning and Development Committee came from city operations staff, who said the sink line froze in late January and was shut off. "The water's been off since... the week of the 26th," staff said, and when workers later misidentified a valve while watering nearby plantings they unintentionally turned the cabin's water back on. The cabin filled with water for a prolonged period, damaging drywall, all flooring and some electrical systems.
Staff member Matthew Fleman, who inspected the structure, told the committee that Republic Works is willing to perform the work and that the material-and-repair estimate "is around $45,000." He said the restoration would require ripping out the floor, replacing subfloor and drywall and repairing electrical components damaged under standing water; he warned that the final scope could grow the deeper crews must open walls and floors.
City staff said they are waiting for the tenant to remove freezers and other equipment so crews can begin. "We can't do any work with freezers and everything else in there," staff said. If the tenant clears the space quickly, staff estimated about 10 to 14 days of consecutive work to restore the cabin; if the tenant delays, mold and other deterioration could make repairs more extensive or, in the worst case, render the structure unsalvageable.
Inspectors also reported evidence of termite damage, which may require treatment such as tenting; staff said those treatments are accounted for in the current estimate unless additional structural problems are discovered.
City staff noted the facility generates about $6,000 a year in rent under a month-to-month lease, and committee members discussed whether it is cost-effective to repair the cabin if deeper damage is found. Staff emphasized that the lease language places responsibility for interior infrastructure repairs on the tenant, and that the city has limited ability to act inside the tenant's leased area until the tenant grants access or removes contents.
No formal action was taken; staff said they will pursue discussions with the tenant and the property owner and will return with subsequent updates if the scope or cost changes.
