Projects
Memorial Hermann Tower (POB V)
Houston, Texas
The 33-level Memorial Hermann Tower (POB V) was partially occupied when Hurricane Ike hit the Houston area. Levels one thru 27 are comprised of precast concrete panels, glazed aluminum curtain wall, punched windows and a built up roof. Levels 28 thru 33 utilize a custom curtain wall system to create a very contemporary combination of angles resembling a crown topped off with a built up roof.
This diplomatically sensitive project had many vested team members, multiple outside consultants and legal counsel. WH Coltzer's services began with an extensive, multi-volume forensic report.
Services Provided:
- Building Evaluation
- Forensic Study
Beaumont Baptist Hospital (BBH), Trinity Tower
Beaumont, Texas
Trinity Tower was constructed in 2008 and is a 4-story structure where the first floor is open parking, the second floor is “shelled” for future development, and the third and fourth floors are patient rooms. The building structure of Trinity Tower consists of a poured in place concrete frame with cold formed metal framing infill. The building envelope is primarily lath/stucco over gypsum sheathing (attached to cold formed metal framing), glazed aluminum curtain wall, punched windows constructed of aluminum framed storefront materials, masonry veneer and a black EPDM roof over rigid insulation boards.Since its completion in 2009, the Trinity Tower portion of BBH has experienced failures related to the exterior building envelope, including: Water Infiltration through the exterior walls of all sides of level two and discoloring, cracking and delaminating of the stucco finish.
In August of 2014, BBH commissioned W.H. Coltzer International (WHCI) to investigate the cause of the items listed above and offer suggestions as to how they may be repaired. WHCI performed the following site exercises to determine the cause for the listed building envelope failures:
- Initial Visit; visual observations and client interview
- Stucco Investigation
- Water infiltration testing
- Sealant testing
Endeavour Condominiums
Pasadena, Texas
Issues with this thirty-level, occupied luxury condominium project were brought to light with the passing of Hurricane Ike. Although WH Coltzer was initially commissioned, as a consultant, to address water infiltration issues related to the exterior building envelope, the scope of services ultimately included life safety surveys and MEP systems review.
WH Coltzer continues to work with the Home Owners Association to ensure that the project is maintained in manner consistent with luxury high rise living.
Services Provided:
- Building Evaluation
- Forensic Study
- Expert Testimony
The Galvestonian Condominium Resort
Galveston, Texas
The Galvestonian Condominium Resort is a 180 unit beach front high rise condominium located in Galveston, Texas. In addition to the residential units, The Galvestonian includes other amenities such as a detached parking garage, tennis courts, pool area, beachside park, cabana kitchen, and various interior common spaces such as a laundry facility, exercise room, and management offices.
In September of 2015, The Galvestonian commissioned WH Coltzer to provide a detailed forensic assessment of the exterior envelope and evaluate the building's electrical system, water system, life safety systems, unit balcony railings, concrete balconies, and concrete columns in the garage.
Services Provided:
- Forensic Study
Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church
Galveston, Texas
Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, a 50-year-old church on Galveston Island required an exterior renovation of a ten-year-old addition. The original project was to include stained glass window protection, precast concrete panel repair, re-roofing and re-glazing of windows. The project was underway, but incomplete when hit by Hurricane Ike in 2008. The project then continued with both hurricane recovery efforts as well as the ongoing original renovation project. Among the storm related items added to the scope of work was the replacement of all copper standing seam roof panels and the related code upgrade to the wood deck.
All work was completed without interrupting church functions, which had increased due to programs required for storm recovery and or relocated due to the storm.
Services Provided:
- Forensic Study
University of Texas at San Antonio, Main Building
San Antonio, Texas
The University of Texas at San Antonio, Main Building was experiencing ongoing water infiltration issues. WH Coltzer was commissioned to determine the source of the infiltration, prepare recovery details and provide a forensic study during remediation efforts which included the removal of portions of the plaza deck, reestablishing expansion joint upon which building was constructed, tying in windows, roof and other components to the drainage plane, and re-roofing substantial portions of the roof.
The facility was fully occupied and functional during remediation.
Services Provided:
- Forensic Study
- Recovery Details