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Condition Report, Measured Drawings, Basement Drain and Foundation Repair, Hose Tower Stabilization

Located at 70 Berkeley Street in Toronto, the Alumnae Theatre is the oldest theatre society still in operation in Toronto.

The theatre is located in the rebuilt 1905 No.4 Fire Hall. The original Fire Hall was built in 1859 and demolished in 1903 due to insanitary conditions related to foundation settlement issues. The original 1872 Hose Tower remains, minus its upper whatch and bell tower structure, which was removed in 1952.

In 2021, our firm was retained by Toronto Museums and Heritage Services to investigate persistent basement water infiltration, locate underfloor drains, and report findings. We discovered blocked drains and severe cavitation in the 1859 Hose Tower foundations.

We produced measured drawings, concept design, cost estimates, and tender documents covering brickwork, roof drainage, snowguards, concrete slab replacement, drain repairs, and tower stabilization work.

During construction, saturated fill was found beneath the building which is set on deep concrete foundations and wood piles. Helical piles were subsequently installed to support the rebuilt drains and floor slabs.

Our office provided field review for roofing, masonry, concrete, and tower grouting work, supported by geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical consultants.

Our affiliated corporation arconTEST provided specialist testing services related to the grout and mortar verification.