Repairs and upgrades to the Poland Street Warehouse

Electrical, plumbing, structure, concrete decking repairs and upgrades to the Poland Street Warehouse.

The warehouse's electrical and shore power switching systems were upgraded in the late 1990s. However, the New Orleans electrical infrastructure continues to experience reliability issues, which places significant stress on the warehouse's electrical system. Over the past several years, there have been multiple failures that required outside contractors to repair equipment or reset breakers. Based on recent inspections, repairs and modifications are needed to the electrical and shore power switching gear to enhance reliability.

Structural Repairs:
An inspection and repair of the warehouse envelope are necessary to ensure it can withstand the impact of a hurricane. The building envelope was renovated after Hurricane Katrina, but the roofing system is now nearly 20 years old and at the end of its lifecycle. Additionally, parts of the stormwater system (gutters) and building siding are deteriorating and need attention.

Plumbing Repairs:
An inspection and modification of the fire main, sprinkler system, and freshwater system are required at the warehouse. While the fire main and sprinkler system currently pass inspections, the pneumatic activation system was replaced by an electrical system at an unknown date, though much of the pneumatic system remains in place and could be a reliability risk. Furthermore, there are no records of when the system’s valves were last removed and inspected. In recent years, the New Orleans water system has faced saltwater intrusion, which may have compromised the reliability of both the fire main and sprinkler systems. Based on the inspection, the deactivated sprinkler activation system should be removed, and necessary repairs to the fire main and freshwater piping should be made.

• Louisiana